Saudi Arabia allows Bangladeshi workers to renew Iqama under new employer

Dhaka: Saudi Arabia has announced a major policy change allowing Bangladeshi workers to renew their residency permit (iqama) under a new employer if their original sponsor (kafeel) fails to renew it, removing legal obstacles that previously left many workers vulnerable.

The announcement came during a bilateral meeting between Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury and a high-level Saudi delegation led by Saudi Deputy Minister for Foreign Consular Affairs Dr. Mohammed A. M. Alshammari and Deputy Minister for Human Resources Muhannad bin Ahmed Al-Essa at the ministry in Dhaka on August 4.

Al-Essa described the decision as good news for Bangladeshi workers, saying they would now be able to transfer and renew their residency permits under another employer without legal complications if their original sponsor does not renew the iqama.

During the meeting, Bangladesh proposed strengthening bilateral labor cooperation through the renewal and formal review of agreements on the recruitment of domestic workers, the Skills Verification Programme (SVP), and general worker recruitment.

The Bangladeshi side also called for convening meetings of the Joint Commission and the Joint Technical Committee at a mutually convenient time.

To improve the quality of migrant workers, Bangladesh proposed establishing a Saudi-Bangladesh Joint Technical Training Institute to provide vocational training, Arabic language instruction, pre-departure orientation, and education on Saudi laws, culture and customs.

Bangladesh further proposed developing a framework for the mutual recognition of technical, vocational, and professional qualifications to facilitate the recruitment of skilled, highly skilled, and professional workers in sectors such as healthcare, construction, information technology, and hospitality.

The minister also requested Saudi authorities to ensure the timely issuance and renewal of work permits and iqamas for Bangladeshi workers and sought Saudi intervention to address delays caused by some employers citing increased work permit fees.

Thanking the Saudi delegation, Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury said Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia share longstanding friendly relations. He noted that Bangladeshi workers continue to contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia's development while supporting Bangladesh's economy through remittances.

The minister also highlighted the Arabic language proficiency of students from Bangladesh's Qawmi madrasas and urged Saudi authorities to consider creating employment opportunities for them after appropriate skills training.

Expatriates' Welfare State Minister Md. Nurul Haque urged Saudi Arabia to recruit more skilled Bangladeshi workers to meet increased labor demand ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. He also stressed the need to ensure the rights and protection of Bangladeshi female domestic workers employed in the Kingdom.

The ministry's secretary requested Saudi Arabia to consider granting clemency to Bangladeshi nationals detained in Saudi prisons ahead of the upcoming holy months of Ramadan and Eid, if they qualify under the Kingdom's amnesty provisions.

Responding to Bangladesh's proposals, Deputy Minister Al-Essa expressed strong interest in recruiting more skilled and professional workers from Bangladesh, particularly in healthcare, construction, IT, and hospitality.

He said Saudi Arabia has already introduced a Wage Protection System and insurance coverage to safeguard workers' rights. He also assured Bangladesh that if details of imprisoned Bangladeshi workers are shared through diplomatic channels, the Saudi government will give due consideration to requests for clemency.

Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah Jafar H. Bin Abiah, Prime Minister's Special Assistant Dr. Shakirul Islam Khan, and senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment also attended the meeting.

Expatriates' Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, State Minister Md. Nurul Haque, Saudi Deputy Minister for Foreign Consular Affairs Dr. Mohammed A. M. Alshammari and Deputy Minister for Human Resources Muhannad bin Ahmed Al-Essa seen, among others, during bilateral meeting on August 4.