7.5 lakh Bangladeshis get Saudi work visas in 2025
Saudi Arabia a trusted, longstanding partner of Bangladesh, says foreign minister
Saudi Arabia has issued 750,000 work visas and a total of 1.4 million visas for Bangladeshi citizens in 2025, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer H bin Abiyah said today (22 February).
He made the remarks during a meeting with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman in Dhaka.
"There is scope for skilled and semi-skilled workers to get jobs in the Kingdom, as many development works are going on there," the ambassador said.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest. The ambassador conveyed greetings from his government and expressed his commitment to further strengthening Saudi Arabia-Bangladesh bilateral relations.
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Welcoming the ambassador, the foreign minister described Saudi Arabia as a trusted and longstanding partner of Bangladesh.
He recalled that diplomatic relations between the two countries began in 1976 during the rule of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, with the establishment of the Bangladesh Embassy in Saudi Arabia. Ziaur Rahman also paid a visit to the Kingdom in 1977.
Both sides acknowledged his contribution to promoting Muslim unity.
The foreign minister expressed appreciation for the Saudi leadership's role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and across the Muslim Ummah.
He also conveyed gratitude for hosting a large number of Bangladeshi workers in the Kingdom and underscored the potential for expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and other priority sectors, citing the geostrategic positions of both countries.
Recalling Saudi Arabia's support in facilitating the repatriation of around 200,000 Rohingyas in 1979 at the request of then-president Ziaur Rahman, the foreign minister appreciated the Kingdom's continued humanitarian assistance for the 1.2 million Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh and sought its support for sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.
The Saudi ambassador expressed support for the present government and said he intended to work with it to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive relationship.
Earlier in the day, the ambassador also called on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam to greet her on her appointment.
The state minister appreciated reform initiatives led by the Crown Prince under Saudi Vision 2030.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing bilateral relations for mutual benefit.
