the first of its kind between the two countries in their 50-year history of diplomatic relations. Bangladesh Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul and Saudi Human Resources and Social Development, Minister Engineer Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi signed the agreement on behalf of their respective side, according to a message received here.  Since 1976, Saudi Arabia has remained Bangladesh’s largest overseas labour market, employing millions of Bangladeshi workers. However, until now, there had been no formal agreement on the recruitment of general workers.

Earlier, two special agreements were signed one in 2015 on the recruitment of domestic workers, and another in 2022 on skills verification. Today’s new agreement will broaden opportunities for the recruitment of Bangladeshi skilled and semi-skilled workers across various professions in Saudi Arabia.  It is also expected to enhance protection of rights and welfare for both workers and employers and further strengthen the brotherly bilateral ties between the two nations. Prior to the signing ceremony, a bilateral meeting was held between Adviser Dr. Nazrul and Minister Al-Rajhi. (Bssnews)