Summary:
- Saudi Arabia is issuing 4,000 to 6,000 work visas daily for Bangladeshi workers, with 83,000 recruited in November alone, the highest monthly figure globally.
- The surge in labor demand supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 projects, including preparations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup and the 2030 Riyadh Expo.
- Massive infrastructure developments in aviation, railways, and sports facilities are driving the need for a diverse workforce.
- In a humanitarian gesture, Saudi Arabia donated 372 tonnes of meat to Bangladesh for distribution among orphans and underprivileged communities.
Saudi Arabia has ramped up its issuance of work visas to Bangladeshi nationals, granting between 4,000 and 6,000 visas daily. This significant development aligns with the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil by undertaking extensive infrastructure and development projects. In November alone, Saudi Arabia employed 83,000 Bangladeshi workers, marking the highest monthly recruitment figure for any single country globally.
The surge in labor demand is driven by Saudi Arabia’s preparations for major international events such as the 2034 FIFA World Cup and the 2030 Riyadh Expo. Additionally, the Kingdom is investing heavily in transformative infrastructure projects, including advancements in aviation, railways, and sports facilities. These initiatives underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global hub for innovation and development while fostering economic growth through foreign labor contributions.
Bangladesh has long been a key partner for Saudi Arabia in terms of manpower supply. Currently, approximately three million Bangladeshi nationals reside and work in the Kingdom, forming the largest expatriate community there. This deep-rooted relationship is further reinforced by Saudi Arabia’s recent humanitarian gesture of donating 372 tonnes of meat to Bangladesh. The donation will benefit orphans, religious schools, and underprivileged communities across 95 regions in 64 districts of Bangladesh.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan has positioned the country as a magnet for international talent and investment. The initiative includes high-profile projects like NEOM—a futuristic smart city—and other “giga-projects” aimed at reshaping urban living and tourism while promoting sustainability and innovation. These efforts are creating unprecedented opportunities for foreign workers and professionals, particularly in construction, technology, and other specialized fields.
The collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh reflects a mutually beneficial relationship rooted in historical ties and shared economic interests. As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its workforce to meet its ambitious goals, Bangladeshi workers are playing a pivotal role in supporting the Kingdom’s transformative journey toward a diversified and thriving economy.
Source: Gulf News
