Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia today signed a historic agreement on the recruitment of general workers, marking the first such deal in the 50-year history of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The agreement was signed by Bangladesh Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul and Saudi Human Resources and Social Development Minister Engineer Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, according to an official message received in Dhaka.

Since 1976, Saudi Arabia has been Bangladesh’s largest overseas labour market, employing millions of Bangladeshi workers. However, until now, there had been no formal agreement on the recruitment of general workers. Previous accords include a 2015 agreement for domestic workers and a 2022 agreement on skills verification.

The new pact is expected to expand opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled Bangladeshi workers in various professions in Saudi Arabia. It will also strengthen the protection of workers’ rights and welfare while further enhancing the brotherly ties between the two nations.

Prior to the signing, Dr. Nazrul and Minister Al-Rajhi held a bilateral meeting, during which the Bangladeshi adviser stressed the importance of transparency and fairness in recruitment. He also urged that employers ensure renewal of residence permits (Iqama) and facilitate swift exit visas for workers wishing to return home.

In response, the Saudi minister directed authorities to take prompt and effective measures on these matters and encouraged Bangladesh to continue its efforts to ensure safe and orderly migration.

The meeting also covered enhancing cooperation in recruitment, training, and welfare of expatriate workers and ensuring their safety and protection in Saudi Arabia.

The signing ceremony was attended by Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Md. Delwar Hossain, Deputy Chief of Mission S.M. Nazmul Hasan, Labour Counsellor Muhammad Rezae Rabbi, and senior officials from both countries.

MN/