Staff Correspondent

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday lauded Bangladeshi expatriate workers in Oman saying they are contributing to the socioeconomic development of both countries.

“Bangladeshi workers have contributions to your economy as well as to that of Bangladesh. Both economies are benefiting from the workforce,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina said this while Oman's Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdul Ghaffar Bin Abdul Karim Al-Bulushi called on her at Ganabhaban in Dhaka.

PM’s Press Secretary M Nayeemul Islam Khan briefed reporters after the call on.

The ambassador agreed with the prime minister on the performance of Bangladeshi workers in the West Asian country. “It is true and they are working for both economies.”

He mentioned that Oman has been maintaining 7% GDP growth for a long time and it expects to attain a double-digit level of growth. “The GDP growth might double in the coming days.”

The issue of Oman's support to Bangladesh during Bangladesh's graduation from LDC was also discussed.

Regarding the issue of visa restrictions on Bangladeshis, the envoy informed that about a million Bangladeshis are working in Oman.

“Specifically, it [restriction] is not for Bangladesh. We periodically review the labour market to determine the demand. Based on that review, sometimes we often suspend imports from countries that have an excessive number of manpower. For easing the suspension you have to wait for the next review.”

Abdul Ghaffar dispelled the notion that a blanket restriction has been imposed on Bangladesh. “But actually it was not like that. Except for the manpower visa, all other visas like family visa and tourist visa are open.”

He also said that some ten categories of Omani visas for Bangladeshis exist now.

In this connection, he suggested that the Bangladesh foreign ministry send a letter to his government for lifting the bar. This, he said, would help him discuss the matter with his higher authorities in favour of Bangladesh.

“We have started working on the issue so that the working visa can be started soon,” he said.

On the fertiliser import issue, the ambassador said his government proposed to make the arrangement on a government-to-government basis.

The prime minister said the Bangladesh government would examine the proposal.

The ambassador highly appreciated the leadership of Sheikh Hasina and congratulated her on reelection in January.

He also said it would be good that Bangladesh graduates as a developing nation under the able leadership of Sheikh Hasina. “Bangabandhu would have been proud of you.”

The ambassador gave a replica of an Omani traditional boat as a gift to the prime minister.

Inscribed on the replica was – “To the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who carried the torch of the great Bangabandhu with resolve and courage with compliments of the Ambassador of Oman, Abdul Ghaffar Bin Abdul Karim Al-Bulushi.”

Ambassador-at-large Mohammad Ziauddin was present at the meeting.