Saudi-bound workers allege fraud by SM Enterprise

Multiple complaints filed with Banani Police over alleged job, salary and iqama discrepancies

Several Bangladeshi workers who travelled to Saudi Arabia through recruiting agency SM Enterprise (RL-1987) have alleged that they were deceived over promised jobs, salaries and residency permits, leaving them in financial distress.

The workers and their families have filed multiple written complaints with Banani Police Station in Dhaka, seeking investigation and legal action against the agency.

According to the complainants, they were promised specific employers, job positions and salaries before leaving Bangladesh. Trusting those assurances, they paid substantial sums to the recruiting agency, in some cases after borrowing money or selling family assets.

But after arriving in Saudi Arabia, several workers allegedly found that the actual employment arrangements did not match what they had been promised.

Some claimed they were processed for lower salaries than those discussed with them, while others alleged that jobs promised directly with particular companies were instead arranged through labour supply companies.

Workers stranded without expected jobs

Several workers who spoke about their experiences said they have struggled to find regular employment in Saudi Arabia.

Some reportedly remain without work, while others say they are unable to earn the income they had expected when they decided to migrate.

The situation has also left their families in Bangladesh under financial pressure, as many workers had borrowed money or used family savings to finance their migration.

For some, the inability to earn regularly has made it difficult to meet living expenses in Saudi Arabia, let alone repay debts or send money home.

Questions over manpower documents

The complainants have also raised questions about the manpower processing and employment contracts allegedly provided through the agency.

They claim that the salary and employment conditions discussed before departure differed from information contained in subsequent manpower documents.

Some workers have further alleged discrepancies involving signatures on employment contracts.

They questioned how signatures they say they did not provide, or did not authorise others to use, appeared on the documents.

These allegations have not yet been independently verified. The relevant contracts, manpower records, signatures and financial transaction documents would need to be examined to establish the facts.

Refunds and documents sought

Some affected workers have reportedly asked SM Enterprise to return their money and essential documents after disputes emerged over their employment arrangements.

According to the complainants, they approached the agency seeking a resolution and, in some cases, refunds. They allege that the process has been marked by delays and difficulties.

The workers are now seeking intervention from the authorities and demanding an investigation into the allegations.

An officer of Banani Police Station said the complaints were being investigated. Appropriate legal action would be taken if the allegations were found to be substantiated.

Agency yet to comment

Several attempts were made to obtain comments from SM Enterprise regarding the allegations. However, no response was received from the agency before publication of this report.

The allegations therefore remain subject to investigation, and responsibility has not been conclusively established.

For Bangladeshi workers seeking overseas employment, the case highlights the importance of independently verifying the employer, job position, salary, visa, manpower clearance and contractual terms before paying recruitment fees or travelling abroad.

Preserving payment receipts, employment contracts and other relevant documents can also be crucial in seeking legal remedies when disputes arise.