Bangladesh to Sign Historic Labour Deal with Saudi Arabia

Bangladesh is on the verge of signing a landmark labour agreement with Saudi Arabia within the next two to three weeks, marking a major diplomatic and economic breakthrough for the country, Adviser Asif Nazrul announced on 2 August.

“This kind of agreement has never existed in the history of Bangladesh,” Nazrul said while addressing the ‘Remittance Fighters’ Day’ programme organised by the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment at the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka.

He further noted, “There is no such deal with India or Pakistan either. This will be the first of its kind for Bangladesh.”

The agreement is expected to provide robust legal and institutional safeguards for Bangladeshi migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, the largest destination for Bangladeshi labour migrants. Once signed, it will enhance the safety, rights, and working conditions of expatriate workers and promote a more structured migration process between the two nations.

Nazrul highlighted that despite previous efforts under earlier governments, such a deal could not be materialised. “This success is the outcome of continuous diplomatic engagement and prioritisation of migrant welfare,” he added.

In addition to the upcoming deal with Saudi Arabia, Nazrul, who also serves as the Law Affairs Adviser, said that the process of sending workers to Malaysia has resumed after a temporary halt. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding safe and legal migration channels.

Addressing the challenges faced by returnee migrants, he said the government has introduced various initiatives to ease their reintegration and reduce harassment. “Our services have been fully digitalised, and returning workers will now experience smoother and more transparent procedures,” he stated.

Nazrul urged aspiring migrants to avoid taking unverified and risky routes. “Please don’t be desperate to go abroad without proper preparation and documentation,” he cautioned.

He warned against falling victim to fraud by unscrupulous middlemen or recruitment agencies. “Spending Tk 10–15 lakh on an uncertain future is not a wise decision,” he said. “We are not discouraging overseas employment, but it must be safe, informed, and legally compliant.”

The adviser reiterated the government's focus on protecting the rights of Bangladeshi workers abroad while ensuring they contribute meaningfully to the country's economy through remittances.