Saudi Arabia allows Iqama renewal under new employer

Saudi Arabia has announced that Bangladeshi workers whose original employers fail to renew their iqama (residency permit) will now be allowed to transfer and renew their permits under another employer without facing any legal obstacles.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Saudi Arabia's Deputy Minister of Human Resources, Muhannad bin Ahmed Al-Issa, during a courtesy meeting with Bangladesh's Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury at the ministry in Dhaka.

Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Consular Affairs Dr Mohammed AM Alshammari also attended the meeting.

At the outset of the meeting, Al-Issa described the decision as good news for Bangladeshi workers, saying that if an employer or sponsor (kafeel) does not renew a worker's iqama for any reason, the worker will be able to transfer to another employer and complete the renewal process without legal complications.

During the meeting, the Bangladeshi side proposed several measures to strengthen labour cooperation between the two countries. These included formally reviewing and renewing agreements on the recruitment of domestic workers, the Skills Verification Programme (SVP), and the recruitment of general workers.

Bangladesh also called for convening meetings of the Joint Commission and the Joint Technical Committee at a mutually convenient time.

The government further proposed establishing a joint Saudi Arabia-Bangladesh technical training institute in Bangladesh to enhance workers' skills and provide Arabic language training, orientation on Saudi laws, culture and customs, and pre-departure preparation.

Bangladesh also proposed developing a framework for the mutual recognition of technical, vocational and professional qualifications to facilitate the recruitment of skilled, highly skilled and professional workers in sectors such as healthcare, construction, information technology and hospitality.

The Bangladeshi delegation requested Saudi authorities to ensure the timely issuance and renewal of work permits and iqamas for Bangladeshi workers and sought cooperation in addressing delays caused by some employers citing increased work permit fees.

Thanking the Saudi delegation, Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury said Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia share longstanding friendly relations. He noted that Bangladeshi workers contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia's development while playing a vital role in Bangladesh's economy through remittance inflows.

The minister also highlighted the Arabic language proficiency of students from Qawmi madrasas and urged Saudi authorities to create employment opportunities for them after providing appropriate training.

State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Nurul Haque called on Saudi Arabia to recruit more skilled Bangladeshi workers to meet rising labour demand ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. He also stressed the need to ensure the rights and protection of Bangladeshi female domestic workers.

The ministry's secretary requested Saudi Arabia to consider granting clemency to Bangladeshi workers currently detained in Saudi prisons ahead of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan and Eid.

Responding to Bangladesh's proposals, Al-Issa expressed strong interest in recruiting more skilled and professional workers from Bangladesh, particularly in the healthcare, construction, IT and hospitality sectors.

He said Saudi Arabia has already introduced a wage protection system and insurance coverage to safeguard workers' rights. He also assured that if detailed information on Bangladeshi workers detained in Saudi prisons is shared through diplomatic channels, the Saudi government will give due consideration to their possible pardon.

Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah Jafar H. Bin Abiya, Prime Minister's Special Assistant Dr. Shakirul Islam Khan, and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment were also present at the meeting.