DHAKA, August 4, 2026 — In a major policy shift benefiting Bangladeshi migrant workers, Saudi Arabia has announced that workers whose original employers (kafeels) fail or refuse to renew their residence permits (Iqama) will now be allowed to transfer and renew their status under a new employer without legal obstacles.
The announcement was made during a high-level bilateral meeting held today at the office of Bangladesh’s Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister, Ariful Haque Choudhury, with a visiting delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Consular Affairs Dr. Mohammad A. M. Alshammari and Deputy Minister of Human Resources Muhannad bin Ahmed Al-Eisa.
Key Highlights and Proposals from the Meeting
- Easing of Iqama Renewal: Saudi Deputy Minister Muhannad bin Ahmed Al-Eisa shared the decision as good news at the outset of the meeting, confirming that workers can quickly transition to a new employer and renew their Iqama if their primary sponsor neglects to do so.
- Renewal of Agreements & Joint Technical Commission: The Bangladeshi side requested the renewal of two key bilateral instruments — the Domestic Workers Agreement and the Skills Verification Programme (SVP) agreement. Additionally, Bangladesh urged the Saudi government to finalize the general labor recruitment agreement, which has already been approved by Bangladesh, and called for holding a Joint Technical Commission meeting soon.
- Saudi-Bangladesh Joint Technical Training Center: Bangladesh proposed setting up a joint training center in Bangladesh to provide prospective workers with skill development, Arabic language training, pre-departure orientation, and familiarity with Saudi culture and laws.
- Mutual Recognition Framework: To streamline the deployment of skilled and professional workers in sectors like healthcare, construction, IT, and hospitality, Bangladesh proposed creating a mutual recognition framework for technical and vocational qualifications.
- Addressing Visa Delays & Fees: Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury requested Saudi intervention regarding delays caused by certain employers who stall work permit (work visa) and Iqama processing over increased work permit fees. He also highlighted that Qaumi Madrasa students in Bangladesh possess strong Arabic language skills and suggested offering them specialized technical training for overseas employment in the Kingdom.
- World Cup 2034 & Female Worker Protection: State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare Md. Nurul Haq urged Saudi Arabia to recruit more skilled manpower from Bangladesh to support infrastructure and development projects ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, while stressing the importance of protecting the rights and safety of female domestic workers.
- Amnesty Request for Detained Workers: Ministry Secretary Md. Mokhtar Ahmed requested general amnesty for Bangladeshi workers currently held in Saudi deportation centers (Safar jails) ahead of the upcoming Holy Ramadan and Eid.
Saudi Arabia’s Response
Expressing keen interest in expanding recruitment in key professional sectors such as IT, healthcare, hospitality, and construction, Deputy Minister Muhannad bin Ahmed Al-Eisa assured that worker rights are being protected through implemented mechanisms like the Wage Protection System and mandatory insurance coverage. Regarding the amnesty request, he assured that the Saudi government would address the matter with priority once the detailed credentials of the detained workers are submitted through formal diplomatic channels.
The meeting was also attended by Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah Zafar H. Bin Abia, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Dr. Shakirul Islam Khan, and senior officials from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.