Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia Discuss Labour Market Expansion and Easier Iqama Renewal for Migrant Workers
DHAKA, Aug. 4, 2026 — Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have agreed to strengthen cooperation on labour migration, skills development and worker welfare, with Saudi Arabia announcing a significant policy easing that will allow Bangladeshi workers to renew their Iqama (residence permit) under a new employer if their existing sponsor fails to do so.
The announcement came during a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh's Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister, Ariful Haque Choudhury, and a high-level Saudi delegation led by Mohammad A. M. Alshammeri and Muhannad bin Ahmed Al-Eisa at the ministry in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Al-Eisa said Bangladeshi workers whose primary employer or sponsor (Kafil) fails to renew their Iqama for any reason will now be able to transfer and renew their residency under another employer without facing legal barriers, a move expected to provide greater protection and employment continuity for migrant workers in the Kingdom.
During the meeting, Bangladesh requested the renewal of two existing bilateral labour agreements—the Domestic Workers Agreement and the SVP Agreement—while urging Saudi authorities to approve the recently endorsed general worker recruitment agreement. The two sides also discussed convening the Joint Technical Commission to address labour recruitment, skills development and migrant welfare.
Bangladesh further proposed establishing a Saudi-Bangladesh Joint Technical Training Center to prepare workers through vocational training, Arabic language instruction, orientation on Saudi labour laws, culture and customs, and comprehensive pre-departure training.
The Bangladeshi delegation also proposed developing a framework for the mutual recognition of technical, vocational and professional qualifications to facilitate the recruitment of skilled and professional workers in sectors such as healthcare, construction, information technology and hospitality.
Dhaka requested Saudi support in ensuring the timely issuance and renewal of work permits and Iqamas for Bangladeshi workers while addressing delays caused by some employers citing increased work permit costs.
Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury highlighted the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, noting that Bangladeshi migrant workers continue to contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia's development while playing a crucial role in Bangladesh's economy through remittance inflows. He also proposed creating employment opportunities for graduates of Bangladesh's Qawmi madrasas by providing them with appropriate vocational and language training.
State Minister Md. Nurul Huq called on Saudi Arabia to recruit more skilled Bangladeshi workers to meet rising labour demand linked to the Kingdom's major infrastructure and development projects, while also stressing stronger protection for Bangladeshi female domestic workers.
Meanwhile, Md. Mokhtar Ahmed appealed to Saudi authorities to consider granting a general amnesty during the upcoming Ramadan and Eid period for Bangladeshi nationals held in deportation centres.
Responding to Bangladesh's proposals, Saudi Deputy Minister Muhannad bin Ahmed Al-Eisa expressed strong interest in recruiting more skilled and professional workers from Bangladesh, particularly in healthcare, construction, IT and hospitality. He noted that Saudi Arabia has already implemented the Wage Protection System and worker insurance schemes to safeguard migrant workers' rights.
The Saudi official also assured Bangladesh that if detailed information on Bangladeshi nationals detained in deportation centres is submitted through diplomatic channels, the Saudi government would give due consideration to their cases for possible pardon.
The meeting was attended by Abdullah Zafar H. Bin Abia, Dr. Shakirul Islam Khan, and senior officials from Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment.
