Oman lifts bar on recruitment of Bangladeshi workers

Dhaka, Dec 10: Oman today lifted ban on recruitment of Bangladeshi workers after 12 years and expressed desire to recruit skilled workforce like physicians, engineers and technicians in the country.

Omani Minister for Manpower Dr Juma bin Ali bin Juma announced the government's decision at a joint press briefing, held after his talks with Foreign Advisor Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury.

Officials indicated that an informal restriction was in place due to some unpleasant incidents caused by some Bangladeshi workers.

However, Dr Juma today praised the Bangladeshi workers and called them their "guests and development partners." "Visa is open for all Bangladeshis to come to Oman," he said.

Dr Juma said Oman requires skilled manpower like doctors, engineers, technicians and other professionals.

He handed over a draft of MoU on recruitment of skilled manpower to the Advisor for scrutiny. The MoU would be signed shortly in Oman when the Advisor will be visiting Muscat.

In reply to a question the Omani minister said they have labour laws which are applicable for Omani as well as non-Omani workers.

Presently 1,30,000 Bangladeshis are employed in the oil rich Gulf State.

According to the statistics, 15,700 Bangladeshis went to Oman this year through various channels.

Apart from manpower export, Dr Iftekhar and Dr Juma discussed on how to increase the trade and investment between the two countries.

Iftekhar said Dr Juma's visit has opened a 'new door' in terms of bilateral relations as this is for the first time on Omani minister has visited Bangladesh.

He said Bangladesh has a strong reservoir of skilled manpower to meet the manpower requirement of Oman. He said the draft agreement he has received from his counterpart, would be signed soon to institutionalise the manpower export.

The Advisor said Oman has similar agreements with all the Gulf States, India, Pakistan and Vietnam.

UNI