Staff Reporter :
Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al Rajhi, has said that Saudi Arabia’s partnership with Bangladesh now stands poised to deepen – not as a mere transactional exchange, but as a strategic alignment focused on education, labour mobility, and shared prosperity.
“Under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, new sectors are emerging, demand is diversifying, and opportunities are expanding,” the minister said.
In an article titled A New Chapter in Saudi-Bangladesh Labour Cooperation, Al Rajhi noted that Bangladesh, for its part, has pledged to ensure that all outgoing workers are medically fit, properly trained, and well briefed on Saudi laws, customs, and workplace standards prior to departure.
“These coordinated steps ensure that migration remains safe, well-prepared, and mutually beneficial,” he said.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has modernised its recruitment, employment, and labour mobility systems. Digital platforms
now document contracts before travel, reducing uncertainty and risk.
The Wage Protection System ensures full and timely electronic salary payments, while digital dispute resolution mechanisms have been strengthened.
Occupational safety and health regulations have also been reinforced through clearer guidelines, regular inspections, and seasonal safeguards for outdoor workers.
“Let us work together so that every qualified Bangladeshi professional who arrives in Saudi Arabia does so with confidence and clarity – and so that both nations can share the benefits of growth, stability, and mutual respect,” Al Rajhi added.
He emphasised that when two nations commit to genuine partnership, they create something far more enduring than contracts – they build trust, dignity, and common purpose.
“With our newly signed bilateral labour agreement, we are opening a new chapter in labour mobility – one centred on safety, fairness, and shared prosperity,” the minister stated.
Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia already enjoy a long-standing and meaningful relationship, with generations of Bangladeshi workers contributing to the Kingdom’s development while supporting families both at home and abroad.
“That legacy is one of shared effort,” said Al Rajhi. “But as times change, so too must the frameworks through which we engage.”
The new labour agreement establishes a modern foundation for cooperation – one rooted in ethical recruitment, stronger worker protections, and clear mechanisms to uphold the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved.
“At its core, the agreement commits both countries to ensuring recruitment is transparent, fair, and traceable,” he said.
“Every worker will receive a documented job offer and contract before departure, issued through authorised digital channels to guarantee ethical recruitment and preserve worker dignity.”
It also strictly prohibits recruitment agencies or employers from imposing unauthorised fees or salary deductions – a critical safeguard that protects workers and reinforces accountability on both sides.
These same protections extend to domestic workers, who will benefit from defined job roles, fair employment terms, and pre-departure job-readiness training.
“Equally vital,” the minister continued, “is the commitment to worker welfare and access to justice. Both governments have agreed to promote safe working and living conditions, provide 24-hour assistance, and enable efficient dispute resolution.”
The agreement also ensures that every worker’s salary will be paid directly into a bank account in their name – strengthening wage protection and financial transparency.
“To the government of Bangladesh, to training institutions, recruitment agencies, Saudi employers, and workers themselves – this agreement serves as a platform for deeper alignment,” Al Rajhi said.
He added that it calls for curricula to align with real market demand, for institutions to certify to international standards, and for workers to take pride in credentials recognised across borders.
A Joint Technical Committee will meet regularly to monitor implementation, address challenges, and recommend improvements, ensuring that cooperation remains dynamic and responsive as both economies evolve.
“As we put this agreement into action,” Al Rajhi concluded, “we are not merely filling vacancies – we are building a skills-driven labour corridor. When recruitment is transparent, contracts are protected, salaries are secure, and safety is non-negotiable, everyone benefits – workers, employers, and nations alike.”
