KSA extends visa, Iqama validity for BD migrants till Oct 30

The government of Kingdom of Saudi Arbia (KSA) has given extension of the validity of visa and Iqama (valid work permit) for Bangladeshi expatriate workers till October 30.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen made the disclosure on Wednesday evening.

This will greatly help easing the troubles of the Bangladeshi expatriates who got stuck after coming home due to Covid-19 pandemic, he added.

The Bangladeshi workers who got stuck here have already started to return to their workplaces in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

The Saudi government has so far extended the validity of Iqama and visa validity for Bangladesh citizens several times at the request of Bangladesh.

On Tuesday, Saudi envoy Yahya Al Qarni said if necessary there can be further extension of visa and Akama to facilitate the return of the Bangladeshi workers to Saudi Arabia.

He, however, made it clear that if the employer does not agree to renew the work permit, or do not issue fresh work permit for a Bangladeshi worker, then s/he will not get visa.

Bangladeshi workers got stuck here due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The oil-rich kingdom is the most popular destination for migrant workers from Bangladesh.

Last year, Bangladeshi migrants sent back US$18.355 billion. Of the amount, $3.647 billion (19.87 percent) were sent from Saudi Arabia.

Out of 11 million Bangladeshi expatriate workers across the world, over 2.2 million Bangladeshis are employed in Saudi Arabia.