Play store
The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment has advised Bangladeshi workers not to travel to Laos after the Southeast Asian country temporarily suspended recruitment of Bangladeshi workers, work permit issuance and entry visas.
The ministry issued an urgent notice urging prospective migrant workers to remain cautious and avoid falling victim to fraud or unauthorised recruiting agencies.
According to the notice, the Bangladesh Embassy in Laos recently became aware of reports circulating in various media outlets and social media platforms about job opportunities in the country.
The embassy subsequently contacted the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant authorities to verify the information.
“Since September 9, the Lao government has suspended the labour market for Bangladeshi workers, as well as the issuance of work permits and entry visas (LA-B2),” the notice said.
According to a notice issued by Laos’s Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the suspension will remain in effect from September 1 to December 31.
The Bangladesh ministry has therefore urged all concerned to exercise caution about travelling to Laos until further notice.
It also warned people against falling for false promises, fake visas and schemes operated by unauthorised recruiting agencies. Prospective workers have been advised to verify any job or visa offer through information sources approved by the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment before proceeding.
How did 715 workers obtain BMET clearance?
However, data from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) shows that 715 Bangladeshi workers received clearance to travel to Laos between September 1 and October 5, despite the suspension of visa-related activities.
Asked about the matter, Mizanur Rahman, deputy director of BMET’s Emigration Branch, told bdnews24.com on Monday that the workers had obtained their visas before the labour market was suspended.
“As far as I understand, those who already had visas had them attested. In other words, only those who had received visas before the market was closed were given clearance during this period. No new workers were given clearance,” he said.
