Stressing that everything will be done to protect the Bangladeshi citizens living abroad from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the government on Monday informed that a number of initiatives have been taken for the safeguard of expatriates. Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmad said that in the light of government decisions and various directives and with the help of all stakeholders concerned, everything will be done for the overall protection of the expatriates.
He came up with the confirmation while addressing an emergency meeting on prevention of coronavirus pandemic among expatriates organised by expatriates’ welfare ministry and participated by all stakeholders concerned. At the meeting, stakeholders shared their views on how coronavirus infection among the expatriates and returnees can be prevented.
They said that on behalf of the ministry massive campaigns will be taken in media regarding COVID-19 issue. The discussants requested Bangladeshi nationals who are staying in European countries (except the United Kingdom) not to come Bangladesh for overall public safety.
As per the advice of the foreign ministry, Labour Welfare Wings of Bangladesh Missions were asked to take necessary steps in this regard. Expatriates were advised to restrict their inter-country movement temporarily (except unavoidable circumstances) during the time and embassies were asked to monitor the concerned issue.
They also requested expatriates and outbound workers not to worry over their working visas as necessary discussions have been held with envoys of several countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. They urged people, who need to be quarantined, to abide by all necessary directions given to them for safety purpose. The discussants stressed on selecting focal persons at all ministry and departments for effective coordination to monitor coronavirus situation in every week for taking time-befitting steps. Senior officials of Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Civil Aviation and Tourism, Directorate General of Health Services and Public Security Division were present at the meeting.
Representatives of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) and various NGOs also attended the meeting.
