Bangladeshi workers' plight

The issue has not been addressed by the parties concerned. The Bangladesh mission in Saudi Arabia should keep itself apprised of the violations of the terms and conditions that the employers themselves have set for the workers. There must also be some mechanism whereby the Bangladeshi workers overseas are enlisted with the missions. Their plight, in this instance, is quite inexplicable since they are working in Saudi Arabia after fulfilling all the legal requirements. It seems the employers are simply taking advantage of the helplessness of the workers, who had to deposit their work permits with the employers, which leaves them with no option of getting a better job.

The Saudi government took stern action in the past against the companies failing to ensure regular payment of salaries. So the entire gamut of the issue should be brought before the Saudi authorities so that the irregularities could be eliminated.

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The recruiting agents also create problems for the job seekers. For example, the government has made it a rule that no Bangladeshi should seek a job in Saudi Arabia for less than 400 riyals a month, but the rule is being violated by the recruiting agents.

It is no secret that Bangladeshi workers, whose professional excellence and efficiency have never been questioned, often land in all kinds of trouble abroad for no fault of theirs. The missions abroad , the recruiting agents, the employers and all others concerned should address the issue in right earnest. It is a question of upholding the basic rights of the workers.