Saudi Arabia eases iqama renewal rules for Bangladeshi workers
Workers will be allowed to renew their residency permits under a new employer if their original sponsor fails to do so.
Saudi Arabia will allow Bangladeshi workers to renew their iqama (residency permit) under a new employer if their original sponsor fails to renew it, easing a long-standing problem that has left many migrant workers in legal uncertainty.
The announcement came during a meeting in Dhaka today (4 August) 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, according to a press release.
Al-Essa described the decision as good news for Bangladeshi workers, saying those whose sponsors fail to renew their iqama will now be able to transfer to another employer and renew their residency permits without facing legal complications.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
During the meeting, the two sides discussed expanding labour cooperation. Bangladesh proposed renewing and reviewing agreements covering the recruitment of domestic workers, the Skills Verification Programme and general workers.
It also called for meetings of the joint commission and the joint technical committee to be held at a mutually convenient time.
Bangladesh further proposed establishing a joint technical training institute to provide vocational training, Arabic language instruction, pre-departure orientation, and education on Saudi laws, culture and customs.
It also proposed a framework for the mutual recognition of technical, vocational and professional qualifications to facilitate the recruitment of skilled and professional Bangladeshi workers in sectors such as healthcare, construction, information technology and hospitality.
Ariful requested Saudi authorities to ensure the timely issuance and renewal of work permits and iqamas for Bangladeshi workers.
He also sought Saudi intervention to address delays caused by some employers citing higher work permit fees.
The minister said Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia share longstanding ties and that Bangladeshi workers continue to contribute to the Kingdom's development while supporting Bangladesh's economy through remittances.
He also highlighted the Arabic-language proficiency of graduates from Bangladesh's Qawmi madrasahs and urged Saudi authorities to consider creating employment opportunities for them following appropriate skills training.
State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare Md Nurul Haque urged Saudi Arabia to recruit more skilled Bangladeshi workers to help meet labour demand ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
He also stressed the need to protect the rights of Bangladeshi women employed as domestic workers in the Kingdom.
The ministry's secretary requested Saudi Arabia to consider granting clemency to Bangladeshi nationals imprisoned in the Kingdom ahead of the upcoming Ramadan and Eid, if they qualify under Saudi amnesty provisions.
Responding to Bangladesh's proposals, Al-Essa said Saudi Arabia was interested in recruiting more skilled and professional workers from Bangladesh, particularly in healthcare, construction, information technology and hospitality.
He said the Kingdom had introduced a Wage Protection System and insurance coverage to safeguard workers' rights.
He also assured Bangladesh that if information on imprisoned Bangladeshi nationals is shared through diplomatic channels, the Saudi authorities would give due consideration to requests for clemency.
