DHAKA, March 15, 2020 (BSS) – An emergency meeting was held today at the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment here where concerned stakeholders shared their views on prevention of coronavirus or COVID-19 aimed at protecting expatriates, returnees and workers (who want to go abroad).
During the discussion, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmad said that in the light of government decisions and various directives and with the help of all stakeholders concerned, everything will be done for the overall protection of the expatriates people, a press release said.
It the meeting, it is said that on behalf of the ministry massive campaigns will be taken in media regarding COVID-19 issue.
The discussants requested Bangladeshi nationals who are staying in European countries (except the United Kingdom) not to come Bangladesh for overall public safety.
As per the advice of the foreign ministry, Labour Welfare Wings of Bangladesh Missions were asked to take necessary steps in this regard.
Expatriates were advised to restrict their inter-country movement temporarily (except unavoidable circumstances) during the time and embassies were asked to monitor the concerned issue.
They also requested expatriates and abroad-going workers not to be worried about their working visas during the ongoing COVID-19 related situation as necessary discussions were held with envoys of several countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar.
They urged people, who need to be quarantined, to abide by all necessary direction given to them for safety purpose.
The discussants stressed on selecting focal persons at all ministry and departments for effective coordination to monitor coronavirus situation in every week for taking time-befitting steps.
Senior officials of Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Civil Aviation and Tourism, Directorate General of Health Services and Public Security Division were present at the meeting.
Representatives of the International Labour Organization (ILO), International Organization for Migration (IOM), Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) and various NGOs also attended the meeting.