Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh Sign New Labour Deal to Protect Workers
Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh have taken a major step to make overseas employment safer and more transparent. The two countries have signed a new labour recruitment agreement that focuses on protecting workers’ rights, improving the hiring process, and creating better job opportunities for skilled and unskilled Bangladeshi workers in the Kingdom.
The deal was signed in Riyadh by Eng. Ahmed Al Rajhi, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, and Dr Asif Nazrul, Bangladesh’s Minister of Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment.
This agreement supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to build a strong, diverse economy and attract global partnerships. It also helps Bangladesh expand job opportunities for its citizens while ensuring their safety and fair treatment abroad.
Building Stronger Ties Between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh
The new Saudi–Bangladesh labour agreement shows how both countries are working together to build stronger economic and social ties. For many years, Bangladesh has been one of the top sources of foreign workers for Saudi Arabia. Today, more than 2.5 million Bangladeshi workers live and work in the Kingdom in areas such as construction, hospitality, healthcare, and domestic work.
The new deal sets up a clear and fair system to manage the recruitment and employment of Bangladeshi workers. It covers every stage—from recruitment and training in Bangladesh to employment and support in Saudi Arabia.
According to Saudi Minister Ahmed Al Rajhi, this agreement will create a more balanced labour market that ensures fairness for both employers and employees. Bangladeshi Minister Dr Asif Nazrul added that it will also create more opportunities for skilled workers, especially in growing sectors like healthcare, IT, and engineering.
Part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Labour Reforms
This agreement fits perfectly into Saudi Arabia’s ongoing labour reforms under Vision 2030. The Kingdom is working to modernize its labour market by making recruitment digital, improving laws that protect workers, and promoting fair and transparent employment practices.
The new partnership with Bangladesh helps the Kingdom build a strong, well-regulated workforce. It ensures that contracts are fair, workers are respected, and disputes are handled properly.
For Bangladesh, the deal means more job diversity. The country has been focusing on improving worker training and skills to prepare citizens for better jobs abroad. This agreement supports that goal by connecting trained workers with new opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s expanding industries.
Clear Rules and Worker Protection
One of the most important parts of the new labour agreement is the focus on protecting workers’ rights and creating a transparent hiring process.
All job contracts will now be digitally recorded and verified by both governments. This step helps stop fake job offers, illegal agents, and unfair hiring practices. It also ensures that every worker has a valid, approved employment contract before traveling to Saudi Arabia.
The agreement clearly defines each worker’s salary, working hours, housing, and healthcare rights. It also promises regular inspections and joint monitoring to make sure employers follow all the rules.
Saudi Arabia has already introduced several systems to protect foreign workers, including labour complaint centres, grievance platforms, and digital contract registration. Bangladesh will support this by offering pre-departure training so that workers know their rights and responsibilities before they leave home.
New Opportunities for Skilled Bangladeshi Workers
This agreement also opens doors for skilled professionals from Bangladesh to work in Saudi Arabia. As the Kingdom continues to develop new sectors such as technology, renewable energy, healthcare, and tourism, there is growing demand for trained and specialized workers.
Dr Asif Nazrul said the deal will make it easier for engineers, healthcare experts, IT specialists, and technicians to find jobs in Saudi Arabia’s growing non-oil economy.
This is a win for both countries. Saudi Arabia gains skilled workers for its Vision 2030 projects, while Bangladesh benefits from higher remittances and a stronger global presence for its workforce.
Remittances from Saudi Arabia make up a large share of Bangladesh’s foreign income. By ensuring fair recruitment and better working conditions, both nations can protect these vital earnings while improving the lives of millions of families.
Focus on Training and Skills Development
A major part of the new partnership is training and skill development. Both countries will work together to prepare workers with the skills that Saudi employers need.
Bangladesh will expand its vocational training centres to offer courses in Arabic language, technical trades, customer service, and safety standards. Saudi Arabia will help by sharing information about job requirements and supporting joint training projects.
This cooperation will help build a qualified and confident workforce. It will also make it easier for Bangladeshi workers to adapt to Saudi culture and workplace standards, improving job satisfaction and performance.
Saudi employers are also being encouraged to provide ongoing training programs for their foreign staff. This shared focus on education ensures that both sides benefit from a modern, skilled labour force that can support the Kingdom’s economic transformation.
Boosting Saudi Arabia’s Economic Goals
The new labour recruitment agreement also supports the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030, especially the aim to diversify the economy beyond oil.
The Kingdom is investing heavily in major infrastructure projects, smart cities, and tourism developments. These projects need large numbers of reliable and skilled workers. The partnership with Bangladesh ensures that Saudi Arabia can access a steady, trained workforce to complete these initiatives.
At the same time, the deal shows Saudi Arabia’s commitment to ethical and sustainable labour practices. By building fair recruitment systems, protecting worker welfare, and cooperating with trusted partner countries, the Kingdom is setting a positive example for the region.
Long-Standing Friendship and Shared Goals
The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh is built on trust, respect, and shared values. For decades, Bangladeshi workers have played an important role in building Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure and service sectors.
This new agreement strengthens that partnership even further. Both sides have agreed to hold regular meetings and joint reviews to ensure the agreement is implemented effectively.
Minister Dr Asif Nazrul also said that this collaboration could lead to future cooperation in education, healthcare, and technology, creating new opportunities for both nations.
Ensuring Fairness and Legal Support
A key feature of the new labour deal is its strong focus on fair treatment and legal protection.
The two countries will set up joint monitoring committees to make sure employers follow the law and respect all contracts. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development will continue improving its digital labour platforms, making it easier for workers to get help and information.
The Bangladeshi Embassy in Riyadh and other consulates will also take an active role in supporting expatriates, helping them resolve issues and access legal services if needed.
By creating this structured system, both governments are working to stop exploitation and make overseas employment safe and reliable.
Setting an Example for Regional Cooperation
Experts say this new labour agreement can serve as a model for other countries in the region. It shows how cooperation, technology, and transparency can make international recruitment fairer and more effective.
Many Gulf countries are working to modernize their labour laws, and the Saudi–Bangladesh partnership is a strong example of how to do it successfully. By putting worker welfare and legal protections first, both nations are building a sustainable model for the future of global labour mobility.
As more countries look to form similar partnerships, this agreement may inspire a new standard for ethical labour recruitment across the Middle East and South Asia.
