As Saudi Arabia gears up for large-scale infrastructure projects, including preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2034, Bangladesh is intensifying its efforts to send more migrant workers to the Kingdom. With nearly three million Bangladeshis already residing there—the largest expatriate group in the country—the demand for labor continues to rise.

Media reports from December 2024 indicated that Saudi Arabia is issuing between 4,000 and 6,000 work visas daily to Bangladeshi workers to support its ambitious development plans. However, the significant size of the Bangladeshi workforce also means that they frequently encounter challenges such as labor exploitation and contract violations.

A delegation of Bangladeshi officials recently visited Riyadh, where they engaged with Saudi officials, recruitment agencies, and business leaders. They expressed optimism about increasing the number of skilled and semi-skilled workers heading to the Kingdom. In addition to labor recruitment, Bangladesh is also seeking Saudi investments in its IT sector.

Mohammad Shahed Anowar, Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, highlighted the demand for construction workers, including plumbers, pipe fitters, welders, electricians, and AC mechanics. He noted that Bangladesh’s Technical Training Centres (TTCs) are equipped to provide the necessary skills and that the country is collaborating with Takamol, a Saudi agency responsible for certifying workers’ qualifications according to Saudi standards. Anowar suggested that specific TTCs could be dedicated to training workers to ensure a streamlined recruitment process.

However, concerns remain about the exploitative nature of Takamol. Migrant-Rights.Org has previously reported that the mandatory certification program imposes financial and logistical burdens on workers without guaranteeing better wages or improved working conditions. Bangladesh continues to accept these terms without much scrutiny, as the program also generates revenue for the country. Additionally, recruitment corruption remains an ongoing issue.

Despite these challenges, other labor-exporting nations are likely to pursue similar strategies to secure a share of the employment opportunities Saudi Arabia is expected to offer in the coming decade.

Source: Migrant-Rights.Org