Temporary ban on Bangladeshi workers apolitical and under review: Oman ambassador

Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman Abdul Ghaffar Bin Abdul Karim Al-Bulushi on Sunday clarified that the temporary ban on recruiting Bangladeshi workers was a result of a regular review by Omani authorities, emphasizing the move is “apolitical and temporary.”

During his meeting with Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, the ambassador also said that the issue, currently under a review process of an inter-ministerial committee, is expected to be resolved soon through effective cooperation and coordination between both sides.

During the meeting at the office of the ministry of foreign affairs, they exchanged views on issues of bilateral and multilateral interests.

The Omani ambassador talked about the recent bilateral engagements between Bangladesh and Oman, including manpower, cooperation on energy, fertilizer, investment etc.

Welcoming the visa-related decision of the Oman authority, the foreign minister thanked the ambassador for the update and appreciated the culture, ethos and foreign policy of the Sultanate of Oman.

He mentioned that some 8 lakh Bangladeshi workers are engaged in Oman making positive contributions to both the economies. He reassured that Bangladesh is committed to cooperate, coordinate on meeting any requirements that the Oman authorities may propose to expedite the lifting of the suspension on worker visas.

Describing Oman as a trusted friend of Bangladesh, the minister further added that based on the convergence of interests and commonality of values and principles, Bangladesh and Oman have maintained effective cooperation and coordination in the multilateral agencies including the UN, OIC, NAM, IORA etc, and have taken strong positions on major global issues including Gaza.

The foreign minister urged the Oman envoy to work together to expand cooperation in the area of trade and investment.

Expressing gratitude for all support from the Bangladesh foreign ministry, the Omani envoy requested the foreign minister to work on considering buying urea fertilizer from Oman on a government-to-government arrangement instead through private channel.

The envoy also informed the foreign minister about Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s kind acceptance of an invitation by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit Bangladesh at the earliest.