Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment and Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has announced that returning remittance earners will be entitled to VIP services at airports in Bangladesh.
"These services, excluding lounge access, will be similar to those provided to VIP passengers," he said speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday (24 September).
Dr Asif Nazrul emphasised the improvement of airport services, highlighting that the new VIP treatment is aimed specifically at expatriate workers returning to the country.
"We are ensuring that remittance workers will receive almost all the benefits of a VIP, except for lounge access," he stated.
He elaborated on the specifics of the VIP treatment, explaining that it would include assistance with luggage handling, check-in, and immigration procedures.
Initially, this scheme will target workers from the Middle East, with plans to extend the service to workers returning from Europe at a later stage.
"In the first phase, workers travelling to and from the Middle East will receive VIP treatment," he added.
The adviser also addressed the potential future provision of lounge access, clarifying that it remains a long-term goal.
"We are considering the possibility of providing lounge access in the future, but this will be implemented later. For now, within the next two weeks to a month, we aim to ensure that workers do not face any difficulties at the airport."
A dedicated Expatriate Welfare Desk will be established at airports to guide workers through their journey, assisting them with tasks such as entering the airport, completing check-in procedures, filling out necessary forms, and handling any immigration paperwork.
Dr Asif Nazrul mentioned that additional personnel may be recruited and trained through outsourcing if needed to implement this service.
"We are committed to ensuring that no expatriate worker feels harassed or humiliated at the airport," he said, stressing a zero-tolerance policy towards any such issues.
"We will absolutely make sure this is implemented."
