Momen said Bangladesh, in principle, was ready to receive its nationals, but Dhaka informed concerned Middle Eastern countries that it would take them back in phases for quarantine preparedness, and that facilities are being developed for their accommodation. Momen said the countries agreed to send back undocumented Bangladeshi workers at their own cost, arranging special flights. The minister said Oman, Lebanon, and Qatar also wanted to deport undocumented Bangladeshi workers in view of the global pandemic. According to official estimates the number of documented and undocumented Bangladeshi workforce in middle eastern countries could be over 40 lakh, mostly engaged in infrastructure developments in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The GCC is a grouping of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

Source: Dhaka Tribune April 16, 2020 12:11 UTC