Bangladesh minister says Saudi entry allowed for workers with expired permits

Bangladeshi workers whose Saudi residence permits expired because flight disruptions prevented their timely return will be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia, expatriates’ welfare minister Ariful Haque Choudhury said Oct. 26.

The Financial Express reported his announcement, citing United News of Bangladesh (UNB). Choudhury said entry formalities would be completed automatically through an electronic system. The report did not provide a separate Saudi entry directive or document workers successfully using the arrangement.

The announcement addresses workers affected by disrupted travel, rather than establishing a general exemption for everyone with an expired permit.

Choudhury also said new technology was being introduced at the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) to simplify overseas employment procedures and accelerate visa verification. A dedicated email service for complaints was also being introduced, he said.