Govt to set up 100-bed facility at Hajj Camp for outgoing migrant workers: Minister

The government will establish a 100-bed accommodation facility at the Hajj Camp in Dhaka's Ashkona to provide temporary shelter for outgoing migrant workers facing flight delays, cancellations or other emergencies, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has announced.

During a visit to the Hajj Camp today (26 July), the minister said the initiative is being implemented at the directive of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and on the proposal of the religious affairs minister, reads a press release.

He said the new facility will complement the existing 49-bed Wage Earners' Centre operated by the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment.

The Hajj Camp facility, located near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, will have 50 beds for men and 50 for women, Ariful said, adding that the project will be financed by the Wage Earners' Welfare Board under the ministry.

The minister said the facility is intended to reduce the hardship faced by migrant workers during unexpected situations, such as flight cancellations or delays caused by conflict, adverse weather or other reasons.

He stated that the government remains committed to expanding services for migrant workers and that the additional accommodation would help address the housing difficulties they often face at the airport during such disruptions.