KSA considers waiving mandatory quarantine for workers: FM

UNB, Dhaka

The Saudi government has assured Bangladesh that its nationals will be exempted from seven-day mandatory institutional quarantine after their arrival in the kingdom.

The exemption will be for those who have already been in institutional quarantine in Bangladesh.

The assurance came from Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday. 

Dr Momen said the Saudi move will help reduce the financial burden of Bangladeshi workers going to that country.

At present, it is mandatory for Bangladeshi workers to stay in seven- day institutional quarantine once they reach Saudi Arabia. 

Dr Momen thanked the Saudi government for allowing Bangladeshi workers in the KSA despite COVID-19 pandemic.

The Saudi foreign minister conveyed his Bangladesh counterpart that no one from outside the KSA will get opportunity to perform Hajj this year due to pandemic.

The Saudi ministries of health and hajj on Saturday announced that a total of 60,000 people will be allowed to perform the pilgrimage this year.

Dr Momen sought support from the Saudi government over safe repatriation of Rohingyas to their place of origin in Rakhine state.  

The Saudi foreign minister accepted Dr. Momen’s invitation to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time.