For Al-Amin, a migrant worker in Saudi Arabia’s Dammam, seven days have passed since his leave expired, but he remains stranded in Bangladesh, uncertain when he can return to work.He was scheduled to fly back on October 15, but his journey was cancelled. He secured another confirmed booking on Friday, only for that flight to be cancelled as well.The departure board showed that Check-in started for Dammam, but upon entering the airport, I came to know it was cancelled. My ordeal continues,” he said.Like Al-Amin, many Bangladeshi migrant workers face the risk of losing their jobs or having their visas expire as prolonged flight restrictions at Saudi Arabian airports continue to disrupt travel.
Those who returned home on approved leave are particularly vulnerable, as they must rejoin work within a stipulated period.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), 144 direct and transit flights have been affected by restricted operations at Saudi Arabian airports, disrupting the travel plans of 22,021 passengers. The latest figures, released yesterday, show that 67 direct flights and 77 transit flights have been affected.
Among direct operators, Biman Bangladesh Airlines accounted for 28 affected flights, Saudia 19, US-Bangla Airlines 10 and Riyadh Airways 10.
Among transit operators, IndiGo recorded 30 affected flights, Emirates 14, Qatar Airways nine, flydubai and Air India eight each, SalamAir seven and EgyptAir one.A worker, requesting anonymity, said his employer had repeatedly asked him to return, but his October 17 flight was cancelled, leaving him unable to travel.
Another worker, scheduled to fly to Riyadh on October 19, said he was now trying to reach the Saudi capital via Madinah.
“We came home on leave for a fixed period. If we cannot return within that time, our employers may terminate our jobs,” said another stranded worker.
Some passengers said they had spent Tk 2-4 lakh to secure jobs in Saudi Arabia, while repeated cancellations were forcing others to buy new tickets or seek alternative routes.State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said on Friday that the government was working with Saudi authorities to extend or renew visas and iqamas for Bangladeshis unable to return because of the conflict.
The government was also exploring rehabilitation and re-employment opportunities for those who had already lost their jobs, she told journalists.
Mostaq Ahmed, a member of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (Baira), urged authorities to increase flights and arrange charter services.
“More flights should be operated through airports that remain operational, including Jeddah and Madinah,” he said.
Meanwhile, Biman has suspended Riyadh flights until October 31 and Dammam services from October 23 to 25, citing security concerns following attacks on Saudi Arabian airports. Flights to Jeddah and Madinah are continuing.
CAAB has instructed airlines to provide timely flight updates and assistance with rebooking, refunds and visa-related matters.
