DHAKA: The United Arab Emirates have regularized the immigration status of around 50,000 overstaying Bangladeshi expatriates under general amnesty.
Foreign Affairs Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said this while talking to reporters at a press briefing at his ministry on Wednesday (Feb 13).
During Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit in the UAE, creating new job opportunities for Bangladeshi workers will get top priority, the minister hoped.
From Germany, the premier will go to Abu Dhabi on February 17 and attend the inaugural session of the International Defence Exhibition.
“The issues of exporting more manpower to the UAE as well as Rohingya crisis will get priority during the Prime Minister’s visit to the UAE,” Momen said.
UAE is the second largest market for Bangladeshi workers. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been inked between Bangladesh and UAE regarding recruiting Bangladeshi manpower in 19 categories.
Dr Momen said 50,000 overstaying Bangladeshi expatriates get general amnesty announced by the UAE government for three months between Aug 1 and Oct 31.
The foreign minister also said during the visit, a MoU is likely to be signed between the Private Office of Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum and Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) to set up LNG, power and other plants.
Besides, another MoU will also be inked between Private Office of Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) to set up special Economic Zone on 300 acres land in Matarbari, he added.
During the UAE visit, the Prime Minister is likely to hold meetings with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and bilateral talks with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai and other leaders.
Sheikh Hasina will meet with Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, wife of Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan at Al Bahar Palace on February 18.
The Prime Minister will leave UAE for Dhaka on February 19.
BDST: 1848 HRS, FEB 13, 2019
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