All Saudi-bound Bangladeshi expatriates tested negative for coronavirus before their scheduled departure Friday night.

A total of 260 Bangladeshis left the country for Saudi Arabia on friday night via Saudi Airlines SV-802 flight.

Earlier, the passengers kept waiting anxiously to get hardcopies of Covid-19-free certificates.

Some of the passengers, however, got text messages.

On Wednesday, the Saudi government agreed to extend visas for the Bangladeshis who want to return to their workplaces in the host country.    

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told journalists that the visa extension process for those whose visas have expired will start on Sunday.

He also said Bangladesh workers' iqama will remain valid for 24 more days and if required there will be further extension.

Dr Momen said the Saudi government has given landing permission to Biman Bangladesh Airlines which will help return of Bangladeshis smoothly.