Bangladesh is poised to finalize a significant labor agreement with Saudi Arabia in the next two to three weeks, as stated by Adviser Asif Nazrul today (2 August).

“This type of agreement has never been established in Bangladesh’s history. There are no similar deals with India or Pakistan either. This will mark the first of its kind for Bangladesh,” the adviser remarked during the ‘Remittance Fighters’ Day’ event organized by the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment at the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka.

Asif pointed out that previous efforts to secure such an agreement in past administrations were not successful.

Once the agreement is signed, it is anticipated to improve the safety and security of Bangladeshi migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, he noted.

Asif, who also serves as the law affairs adviser, mentioned that the process of sending workers to Malaysia has resumed.

Concerning the reintegration of returning migrants, he indicated that the ministry has implemented various measures to minimize harassment and streamline processes.

“We have fully digitalized our services, and you will experience the advantages when you travel abroad again,” he added.

He advised migrant workers to avoid rushing into working abroad without adequate preparation and verification.

Nazrul cautioned potential migrants against scams and encouraged them to thoroughly vet recruitment agents.

He stressed that while he does not wish to dissuade individuals from pursuing work abroad, investing Tk 10–15 lakh on an uncertain future is not a prudent choice. “Please refrain from making such risky decisions without understanding the potential dangers,” he concluded.