Saudi eases residential permit renewal rules for foreign workers

Saudi Arabia has announced a policy change allowing foreign workers to renew their residential permits under a new employer if their original sponsor fails to do so.

The announcement came during a meeting today between Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Saudi Deputy Minister for Human Resources Muhannad bin Ahmed Al-Essa and Saudi Deputy Minister for Foreign Consular Affairs Dr Mohammad AM Alshammeri.

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In a Facebook post, the ministry said Bangladeshi workers would now be able to renew their residential permits under another employer without legal obstacles if their primary employer fails to renew it.

During the meeting, Bangladesh requested the renewal of two existing labour agreements covering domestic workers and the Skill Verification Program (SVP).

It also informed the Saudi side that a new recruitment agreement has already been approved by Dhaka and is awaiting Riyadh's approval.

Bangladesh further proposed holding a Joint Technical Commission meeting to discuss labour recruitment, training and workers' welfare.

It also suggested establishing a Saudi-Bangladesh Joint Technical Training Centre to provide skills development, Arabic language training, orientation on Saudi laws and culture, and pre-departure training.

The Bangladeshi side also proposed a framework for the mutual recognition of technical, vocational and professional qualifications to facilitate the recruitment of skilled workers in healthcare, construction, information technology and hospitality.

Ariful urged the Saudi authorities to ensure the timely issuance and renewal of work visas and residential permits, and sought cooperation in resolving delays caused by higher work permit fees imposed by some employers.

He also called for creating employment opportunities for Qawmi madrasa graduates through appropriate training programmes, noting their proficiency in Arabic.

State Minister Nurul Haque requested Saudi Arabia to recruit more skilled Bangladeshi workers ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup and stressed the need to protect the rights of Bangladeshi female domestic workers.

Expatriates' Welfare Secretary Mokhtar Ahmed also sought amnesty for Bangladeshi workers held in Saudi deportation centres ahead of Ramadan and Eid.

Responding to the requests, Saudi Deputy Minister Muhannad bin Ahmed Al-Essa said Saudi Arabia is keen to recruit more skilled professionals from Bangladesh, particularly in healthcare, construction, information technology and hospitality.

He noted that the country has already introduced the Wage Protection System and workers' insurance schemes, and assured that Riyadh would seriously consider Bangladesh's request for amnesty after receiving detailed information through diplomatic channels.