President Abdul Hamid on Sunday expressed gratitude to the king of Saudi Arabia Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud for changing the rules governing Iqama, giving scope to people working illegally in the country including Bangladeshis a chance to regularise their stay there.It also allows them a chance to change their work from now on, as employers usually confiscate their Iqama – a document associated with long-term work visas for foreign nationals working in the Kingdom – making it harder, nearly impossible to change jobs.
In a letter sent to the king on Sunday, the President said, “Bangladeshi workers working in Saudi Arabia will be benefited by these steps. For this reason we are very delighted.”
The President also said that Bangladesh always laid emphasis on the brotherly and historic relations with Saudi Arabia and hoped that the relations between the two countries will be strengthened for the benefit of the people of the two countries.
The president thanked the king for his benevolence towards the migrant Bangladeshi workers and lauded his role for the welfare of Muslim Ummah.
In the letter Hamid wished for the continued peace and prosperity and development of Saudi Arabia as well for the good health, happiness and long life of the king.
The Bangladesh President invited the Saudi king to Bangladesh at his convenience.
The Saudi authorities have allowed Bangladeshis to transfer iqama paving the way for Bangladeshis to take advantage of the legal work and changing their professions, Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni said in Chandpur on Saturday.
“It’s big news for us. Lakhs of Bangladeshis are there in Saudi Arabia. We came to know about it on Friday night. The Saudi King gave three months’ time to avail the opportunity,” she told a press conference at Chandpur Circuit House. UNB
