Expatriate cardholders to receive ticket discounts, lounge access, and priority services: Minister

The government has taken steps to introduce several special privileges for Expatriate Cardholders during air travel. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam announced that various services, including special discounts on airline tickets, access to the Balaka Lounge, and priority check-in and boarding facilities, will be linked to the Expatriate Card.

She made these remarks while presiding over an orientation meeting regarding the responsibilities of airport-related agencies in distributing the Expatriate Card, held in the conference room of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism on Tuesday (July 21).

Minister for Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Ariful Haque Choudhury, Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and Minister of State for Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Nurul Haque were present at the meeting.

Afroza Khanam stated that the contribution of expatriates to the country's economy is extremely important. Therefore, the government is implementing various initiatives to make air travel easier, more comfortable, and hassle-free for them. She informed that a decision in principle has been made to offer special discounts to expatriates on Biman Bangladesh Airlines tickets and for using the Balaka Lounge.

The Minister further noted that a shuttle bus service has already been launched at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for the convenience of passengers. Additionally, necessary steps are being taken to further improve the quality of services for expatriates at the airport.

During the meeting, Minister of State M Rashiduzzaman Millat shared that offering special discounts for Expatriate Cardholders at hotels and motels under the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation is also under consideration. Furthermore, steps are being taken to introduce priority check-in and boarding facilities at the airport, which will be accessible through the Expatriate Card.

At the beginning of the event, Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury highlighted various aspects of cooperation from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism in implementing the Expatriate Card promised in the government's election manifesto.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the Ministry of Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment, and related departments and agencies were also present at the meeting.