Bangladesh has requested Saudi Arabia to extend the period of amnesty and regularisation process for Bangladesh workforce which is set to end on 3 July 2013.
Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni made the request during a meeting with Saudi State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Nizar bin Obaid Madani in Jeddah on Thursday, said a Foreign Ministry press release. In response, the Saudi Minister assured to convey the request for extension of time period for iqama transfer of Bangladeshi workforce in the Kingdom to the highest authorities of the country, the press release added.
The Foreign Minister appreciated the recent announcement of amnesty and regularisation of employment status for those who were affected by NITAQAT program by the Government of Saudi Arabia.
She handed over appreciation letters from both President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed to the Saudi King for allowing Bangladesh workers to change their iqamas and regularise their employment status.
Dipu Moni mentioned about the recent visit of a Saudi manpower delegation and hope that with their positive report Saudi government will decide recruiting more manpower from Bangladesh. She apprised him about the whole migration process in Bangladesh where the Government has introduced 3 tier screening process, issuance of MRP and reduction of migration cost.
-With The Independent input
