Play store
Saudi Arabia will now allow Bangladeshi workers to renew their iqama (residency permit) under a new employer if their original sponsor fails to do so, addressing a long-standing issue that has left many migrant workers in legal uncertainty.
The decision was announced during a meeting in Dhaka on Monday between Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury and a Saudi delegation led by Deputy Minister for Human Resources Muhannad bin Ahmed Al-Essa and Deputy Minister for Foreign Consular Affairs Dr Mohammed AM Alshammari.
Al-Essa described the move as a major relief for Bangladeshi workers, saying those affected will be able to transfer to a new employer and renew their residency without facing legal complications.
The meeting also focused on expanding labour cooperation between the two countries. Bangladesh proposed reviewing agreements on domestic worker recruitment, the Skills Verification Programme, and general workforce hiring.
Dhaka further called for convening meetings of the joint commission and technical committee, and proposed establishing a joint technical training institute to provide vocational skills, Arabic language training, and orientation on Saudi laws and culture.
Bangladesh also suggested mutual recognition of professional and technical qualifications to facilitate the recruitment of skilled workers in sectors such as healthcare, construction, information technology, and hospitality.
Minister Ariful urged Saudi authorities to ensure timely issuance and renewal of work permits and iqamas, and to address delays linked to higher permit fees imposed by some employers.
Highlighting strong bilateral ties, he noted that Bangladeshi workers continue to support Saudi Arabia’s development while contributing significantly to Bangladesh’s economy through remittances.
State Minister Md Nurul Haque called for increased recruitment of skilled Bangladeshi workers ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup and stressed the importance of protecting the rights of female domestic workers.
Saudi officials, in response, expressed interest in hiring more skilled workers from Bangladesh and highlighted existing measures such as the Wage Protection System and worker insurance to safeguard labour rights.
They also assured that requests for clemency for Bangladeshi nationals imprisoned in Saudi Arabia would be considered if submitted through proper diplomatic channels.
