Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have signed a new labour agreement requiring every migrant worker to receive a documented job offer and contract before departure through authorised digital channels.
Saudi Minister for Human Resources and Social Development Ahmad Bin Solaiman Al-Rajhi made the announcement in a statement issued by his ministry on Tuesday.
Al-Rajhi and Bangladesh's Expatriates' Welfare Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul signed the agreement on October 6 in Saudi Arabia, marking the first such deal between the two countries.
Earlier, the two nations signed an agreement in 2015 concerning domestic worker recruitment and another in 2022 on skill verification.
Currently, about 25 lakh Bangladeshis work in Saudi Arabia. However, there have been numerous reports of labour abuses, including excessive recruitment costs, joblessness, underpayment, and deportation.
"The agreement clearly prohibits any recruitment agency or employer from charging workers unauthorised fees or deducting costs from their salaries -- a critical safeguard that protects workers and ensures accountability on both sides," Al-Rajhi said.
He said domestic workers would also benefit from defined roles, fair terms, and job-readiness preparation before leaving home.
"The agreement also guarantees that every worker's salary will be paid directly into a bank account in their name, reinforcing our commitment to wage protection and financial transparency," the Saudi minister said.
To ensure accountability and progress, a joint technical committee will meet regularly to monitor implementation, review challenges, and recommend improvements, according to the statement.