Web News » SOUTH ASIA

Bangladesh has asked the Saudi government to allow its workers to transfer their sponsorship to other employers. There is currently a ban on Bangladeshi workers transferring their iqamas.

Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (Baira) has expressed concern over the draft Overseas Employment and Migrant Workers Act, 2013.

Saudi ministers have assured visiting Bangladesh foreign minister of facilitating the process of iqama (residence permit) transfers for Bangladeshis working in the kingdom, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release said on Saturday.

Indian workers who have travelled to Saudi Arabia legally will be allowed to regularise their visa status, get new jobs or to return home if they register voluntarily with the Saudi authorities during the three months grace period announced by the Kingdom, according to officials.

The government fears that it might lose the labour market in Oman too after the UAE stopped issuing entry permits to Bangladeshi nationals citing security concern in October 2012.

Indian workers who have traveled to Saudi Arabia legally will be allowed to regularize their visa status, get new jobs or to return to India if they choose to register with the Saudi authorities during the three-month grace period.

Twenty-five Indian sailors, who were aboard two Gujarat-based sailing vessels that accidentally drifted into Pakistani waters in mid-April, have been convicted of making an "illegal entry" by a court in Gwadar.

KATHAMNDU, April 30: As Nepal lacks strong voice in international arena, it has not been able to help Nepali migrant workers who face severe forms of violence and discrimination in foreign lands, government officials admit.