Oman has assured Bangladesh of legalizing 96,000 illegal workers from the country, bringing hope to many who have been living in uncertainty. Shofiqur Rahman Choudhury, State Minister for Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment, shared the positive news with journalists in Dhaka ahead of Eid al Adha.
The Omani government has promised to legalize the workers, although a penalty is usually charged for such cases. Choudhury has requested for this fine to be waived, showing a compassionate approach towards the affected individuals.
In addition, Oman has also decided to issue visas for citizens of Bangladesh, after suspending all types of new visas back in October 2023. The sultanate is keen on hiring skilled workers from Bangladesh, with plans to gradually expand this opportunity to unskilled workers as well.
The Embassy of Oman in Dhaka has confirmed the exemption of certain categories of Bangladeshi nationals from the visa ban, bringing relief to families, professionals, and high-income tourists.
This decision comes as part of efforts to protect the rights of both workers and employers, ensuring a fair and legal working environment for all. With ongoing discussions and coordination between authorities of both countries, the ban on work visas is expected to be lifted soon, opening up new opportunities for all parties involved.
