Saudi govt agrees to extend visas for Bangladeshis: FM

The Saudi government has agreed to extend visas for the Bangladeshis who want to return to their workplaces in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

"Our Ambassador (Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr Mohammad Javed Patwary) just phoned me conveying the positive outcome," Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told journalists over phone on Wednesday evening.

The visa extension process for those whose visas have expired will start on Sunday.

He also said Bangladesh workers' iqama will remain valid for 24 more days and if required there will be further extension.

Dr Momen said the Saudi government has given landing permission to Biman Bangladesh Airlines which will help the return of Bangladeshis smoothly.

The government of Bangladesh has also given permission to all Saudi airlines to land here and take Bangladeshis back to the KSA.

The Foreign Minister urged the workers not to get misguided by anyone and mentioned that the person who submitted a demand letter on behalf of demonstrating workers is not an expatriate but a local person involved in politics.

He said the Saudi government is observing it as TV channels and other media are reporting their demonstrations.

Dr Momen also expressed his fear saying the government will have nothing to do if anybody's visa is cancelled. "Their (Saudi govt’s) position is very strong in this regard."

He recalled almost seven years’ ban on recruitment of Bangladeshi workers by the Saudi government.

The Foreign Minister said the Prime Minister worked hard and had discussions with the Saudi leadership several times resulting in the resumption of Bangladeshi recruitment.

"Now we’ve very good relations with Saudi Arabia," he said urging the workers to remain careful so that the Saudi government does not get any negative impression about Bangladesh.

Dr Momen said the Saudi government is very concerned about the COVID-19 situation there.

He said the government has given permission to all the airlines from the Saudi Arabia to come to Bangladesh and take Bangladeshis back to the KSA.

Earlier, Bangladesh sought one more extension of three months from Saudi Arabia for Bangladeshi valid visa holders and their Iqama (valid work permit) in an effort to help workers return to their workplaces.

The Saudi government has so far extended the validity of Iqama for Bangladesh citizens thrice who got stuck here due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The latest extension term was scheduled to expire on September 30.

Bangladesh Embassy in Saudi Arabia has sent a letter to the Saudi Foreign Ministry seeking an extension of three months beyond September 30, said an official.

The oil-rich kingdom is the most popular destination for migrant workers from Bangladesh. Last year, Bangladeshi migrants sent back US$18.355 billion. Of the amount, $3.647 billion (19.87 percent) were sent from Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, a group of Bangladeshi migrant workers demonstrated at Karwan Bazar on Tuesday and Wednesday demanding air tickets to Saudi Arabia so that they can join their workplaces.