Bangladesh has asked the United Arab Emirates not to send back Bangladeshi workers in view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen made the request in a telephone call to UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on Wednesday.
Dr Momen asked Sheikh Abdullah to take measures so that the Bangladeshi workers do not return home losing their jobs owing to coronavirus, according to the Foreign Ministry.
Referring to the important contribution of the Bangladeshi workers in the development of the UAE, he said that even if the workers lose jobs, their wages and other benefits for at least six months will have to be ensured.
The Bangladesh foreign minister also requested for necessary steps to ensure food supplies for the expatriates.
The UAE foreign minister assured that necessary steps will be taken about the issues raised by Dr Momen.
Dr Momen said that if Bangladeshi workers want to return home they may do so in phases with a "coronavirus negative" certificate in order to ensure quarantine in Bangladesh.
