The Kingdom of Saudi Arbia (KSA) has extended of the validity of visa and Iqama (valid work permit) for Bangladeshi expatriate workers till October 30.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen made the disclosure to media on Wednesday.

Thousands of migrant workers who came home from Saudi Arabia during the coronavirus pandemic have been stranded here and could not get back to their workplaces due to lack of plain tickets from Saudi Airlines.

Saudi returnees have staged repeated demonstrations for tickets and visa extension in front of the Saudi Airlines office in Karwan Bazar.  

Despite protest, many workers still could not manage to get a return ticket while their visa validity expired on September 30.

In wake of the massive protests, Bangladesh government contacted Saudi authority and requested them to increase flights from Dhaka, as well as extend visa validity for the workers.

BDST: 1945 HRS, OCT 07, 2020
AP/SMS