Asif Nazrul advocates for increased recruitment of skilled Bangladeshi workers to Saudi Arabia

Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser, Dr. Asif Nazrul, has urged Saudi authorities to enhance the recruitment of skilled Bangladeshi workers to support the Kingdom's ambitious development projects. He made this appeal during a bilateral meeting with Abdullah bin Nasser Abuthnain, Vice Minister of the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, on the sidelines of the 7th World Occupational Safety and Health Conference in Riyadh on May 4.

Dr. Nazrul highlighted the significant employment opportunities arising from Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiatives, including mega projects such as NEOM, Red Sea, Qiddiya, Green Riyadh, Amala, Diriyah, and Roshan, as well as major global events like the AFC Asian Cup (2027), Winter Asian Olympics (2029), World Expo (2030), and FIFA World Cup (2034).

To facilitate the recruitment process, Dr. Nazrul proposed that Saudi authorities verify job availability and employer capacity before issuing work visas. He also suggested implementing an online system for signing employment contracts prior to workers' arrival in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, he recommended the development of specialized training courses for both male and female workers, focusing on Saudi labor laws, workplace culture, and other essential topics.

Dr. Nazrul invited Saudi officials to visit Bangladesh's Technical Training Centres (TTCs) and expressed interest in designating one or more TTCs specifically for training workers bound for Saudi Arabia. He assured the Saudi side that all female domestic workers would undergo a mandatory one-month training program before receiving their visas and would be deployed within two weeks of visa issuance following a final short training.

The Saudi Vice Minister welcomed these initiatives and praised Bangladesh's commitment to workforce development. Dr. Nazrul also expressed appreciation for the formation of a joint working team, comprising representatives from the Saudi Ministry and the Bangladesh Embassy, to address the challenges faced by undocumented Bangladeshi workers in the Kingdom. This team was agreed upon during a meeting held on January 30, 2024.

Furthermore, it was revealed that, in line with the decisions taken during recent Foreign Office Consultations, a high-powered task force has already been formed to resolve issues related to undocumented workers and irregularities in recruitment practices. Both sides expressed optimism that these initiatives would play a pivotal role in addressing ongoing challenges through sustained dialogue and cooperation.

In addition to the bilateral meeting, Dr. Nazrul participated as a panel speaker at the 7th World Occupational Safety and Health Conference, where he emphasized the importance of safe migration and ethical recruitment practices.

Asif Nazrul advocates for increased recruitment of skilled Bangladeshi workers to Saudi Arabia
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser, Dr. Asif Nazrul, has urged Saudi authorities to enhance the recruitment of skilled Bangladeshi workers to support the Kingdom's ambitious development projects. He made this appeal during a bilateral meeting with Abdullah bin Nasser Abuthnain, Vice Minister of the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, on the sidelines of the 7th World Occupational Safety and Health Conference in Riyadh on May 4.

Dr. Nazrul highlighted the significant employment opportunities arising from Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiatives, including mega projects such as NEOM, Red Sea, Qiddiya, Green Riyadh, Amala, Diriyah, and Roshan, as well as major global events like the AFC Asian Cup (2027), Winter Asian Olympics (2029), World Expo (2030), and FIFA World Cup (2034).

To facilitate the recruitment process, Dr. Nazrul proposed that Saudi authorities verify job availability and employer capacity before issuing work visas. He also suggested implementing an online system for signing employment contracts prior to workers' arrival in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, he recommended the development of specialized training courses for both male and female workers, focusing on Saudi labor laws, workplace culture, and other essential topics.

Dr. Nazrul invited Saudi officials to visit Bangladesh's Technical Training Centres (TTCs) and expressed interest in designating one or more TTCs specifically for training workers bound for Saudi Arabia. He assured the Saudi side that all female domestic workers would undergo a mandatory one-month training program before receiving their visas and would be deployed within two weeks of visa issuance following a final short training.

The Saudi Vice Minister welcomed these initiatives and praised Bangladesh's commitment to workforce development. Dr. Nazrul also expressed appreciation for the formation of a joint working team, comprising representatives from the Saudi Ministry and the Bangladesh Embassy, to address the challenges faced by undocumented Bangladeshi workers in the Kingdom. This team was agreed upon during a meeting held on January 30, 2024.

Furthermore, it was revealed that, in line with the decisions taken during recent Foreign Office Consultations, a high-powered task force has already been formed to resolve issues related to undocumented workers and irregularities in recruitment practices. Both sides expressed optimism that these initiatives would play a pivotal role in addressing ongoing challenges through sustained dialogue and cooperation.

In addition to the bilateral meeting, Dr. Nazrul participated as a panel speaker at the 7th World Occupational Safety and Health Conference, where he emphasized the importance of safe migration and ethical recruitment practices.