Bangladesh committed to meet demand for skilled workers in Saudi Arabia, top official says

Bangladesh committed to meet demand for skilled workers in Saudi Arabia, top official says
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Asif Nazrul, advisor to the Bangladesh Ministry of Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs, and Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment interacting with Saudi companies officials in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Bangladesh committed to meet demand for skilled workers in Saudi Arabia, top official says
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Delegates and officials posing for a Group photo at the Bangladesh Embassy event. (Supplied)
Bangladesh committed to meet demand for skilled workers in Saudi Arabia, top official says
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Asif Nazrul, advisor to the Bangladesh Ministry of Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs, and Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and Bangladesh's new ambassador Delwar Hossain handing over prize to a winner of youth festival. (Supplied)
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Updated 29 January 2025
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Bangladesh committed to meet demand for skilled workers in Saudi Arabia, top official says

Bangladesh committed to meet demand for skilled workers in Saudi Arabia, top official says
  • Bangladesh government exploring options to facilitate expatriate participation, voting in national election

RIYADH: Bangladesh is committed to meeting demand for skilled workers in Saudi Arabia, said Asif Nazrul, adviser to the Bangladeshi Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, as well as the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.

Speaking at a discussion organized at the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh with owners and senior officials of Saudi companies, Nazrul said that there were significant opportunities for Bangladesh to send skilled and semi-skilled workers, including doctors, engineers, nurses and technicians.

Nazrul, who is in Riyadh at the invitation of the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to attend the Global Labor Market Conference (Wednesday-Thursday), emphasized the need for qualitative changes in Bangladesh’s labor market in Saudi Arabia.

He highlighted the many employment prospects emerging from Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiatives, including mega projects such as NEOM, Red Sea, Qiddiya, Green Riyadh, Amala, Diriyah and Roshan, alongside major global events such as the AFC Asian Cup (2027), Winter Asian Olympics (2029), World Expo (2030) and FIFA World Cup (2034).

He sought the cooperation of Saudi recruitment companies, who acknowledged the presence of skilled professionals in Bangladesh but pointed out challenges such as inadequate information, marketing, networking, visa delays, language barriers and a lack of pre-boarding orientation.

Nazrul assured them of resolving these issues and emphasized strengthening ties through labor fairs, seminars and regular communication with company officials.

He also inaugurated the embassy’s e-demand attestation system, enabling Saudi companies to easily register online and attest worker demand letters without visiting the embassy, a key initiative for promoting transparency and efficiency.

Nazrul also distributed prizes to winners of competitions organized as part of the embassy’s “Festival of Youth 2025” on Wednesday.

Bangladesh’s new ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Delwar Hossain, welcomed the Saudi delegates at the interactive session.

Later, Nazrul interacted with Bangladeshi expatriates, listening to their concerns, including high airfare costs and excessive fees charged by recruiting agencies, and assured them of solutions and encouraged them to maintain close contact with the embassy through social media and its website. 

Appreciating their role in sending remittances, he assured the government’s continued welfare initiatives for expatriates and urged compliance with Saudi laws and culture to avoid legal complications.

On the issue of voting in national elections, he said that the government was exploring viable options to facilitate expatriate participation.


Japanese nanotube pioneer inspires Saudi youth at Riyadh science oasis

Japanese nanotube pioneer inspires Saudi youth at Riyadh science oasis
Updated 19 April 2025
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Japanese nanotube pioneer inspires Saudi youth at Riyadh science oasis

Japanese nanotube pioneer inspires Saudi youth at Riyadh science oasis
  • The session included participation from several high school students
  • Known as the father of carbon nanotubes, his 1991 discovery revolutionized the field of nanotechnology

RIYADH: King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh hosted a scientific discussion featuring Japanese professor Sumio Iijima, the discoverer of carbon nanotubes and recipient of the 2025 King Faisal Prize in Science.
The session included participation from several high school students, along with various scientists and specialists, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event was part of the center’s initiatives aimed at enhancing communication between scientists and younger generations, and inspiring students to engage in scientific research and innovation.
During the session, Iijima shared his academic journey and the early challenges he faced, discussing the motivations that led him to discover carbon nanotubes using an electron microscope.
Known as the father of carbon nanotubes, his 1991 discovery revolutionized the field of nanotechnology. His efforts established a new field in solid-state physics and materials science.
The discussion also addressed the importance of nanomaterials for future applications and their use in diverse fields such as electronics, energy storage and biomedicine. His discovery laid the foundation for countless technological innovations in the 21st century.
Iijima answered numerous questions related to scientific research and offered advice and encouragement to those interested in science and technology.
King Salman Science Oasis is a leading national initiative dedicated to promoting scientific culture and stimulating creativity and innovation across all segments of society.


Saudi university prepares talent for AI hackathon

Saudi university prepares talent for AI hackathon
Updated 19 April 2025
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Saudi university prepares talent for AI hackathon

Saudi university prepares talent for AI hackathon
  • The three-day program equips participants with essential skills
  • Participants will learn to develop innovative, functional prototypes

JEDDAH: In partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, King Saud University has launched a training program for the upcoming Transformation Hackathon.
The three-day program equips participants with essential skills to thrive in high-performing hackathon teams. It focuses on building technical abilities and hands-on experience with AI tools.
Participants will learn to develop innovative, functional prototypes that address key challenges during the hackathon, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The training is a key step ahead of the main event, set for April 24–27.
The Transformation Hackathon is a strategic initiative to enhance education at King Saud University, support national talent in data and AI, and advance Saudi Vision 2030 through innovation and future-ready skills.


Kingdom arrests 20,688 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 20,688 illegals in one week
Updated 19 April 2025
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Kingdom arrests 20,688 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 20,688 illegals in one week

Riyadh: Saudi authorities arrested 20,688 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 12,372 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,750 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,566 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,264 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 61 percent were Ethiopian, 36 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 93 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 27 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


Strict Hajj rules for pilgrims’ safety says ministry

Strict Hajj rules for pilgrims’ safety says ministry
Updated 19 April 2025
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Strict Hajj rules for pilgrims’ safety says ministry

Strict Hajj rules for pilgrims’ safety says ministry
  • Ministry warns against scams on social media

RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has stressed that individuals intending to perform Hajj this year must obtain a permit through the Nusuk platform, which is integrated with the unified Tasreeh system for issuing official permits.

It also said that no type of visa grants the right to perform Hajj, and that full compliance with regulations is essential to ensure the safety of pilgrims and a smooth Hajj experience, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministry warned against fraudulent activities and deceptive Hajj campaign advertisements on social media that falsely promise accommodation and transportation within the holy sites.

The ministry urges the public to report suspicious activities by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other areas of the Kingdom. Misleading ads should also be reported to relevant authorities in all countries.

The ministry has announced that April 29 is the final departure date for Umrah visa holders, in preparation for the Hajj season, the SPA reported.

The General Directorate of Public Security has said that Hajj regulations will begin on April 23. All residents intending to enter Makkah must obtain a valid entry permit from the relevant authorities. Those without a permit will be denied entry at security checkpoints, the SPA added.

The directorate emphasized that Hajj procedures will be strictly enforced. Vehicles and residents without a work entry permit, a Makkah resident ID or an official Hajj permit will be turned back.

It further clarified that entry permits for residents working during Hajj are issued electronically via the Absher Individuals platform and the Muqeem portal, through integration with the unified digital Hajj permit platform.


KSA showcases literary, religious heritage in Rabat

KSA showcases literary, religious heritage in Rabat
Updated 19 April 2025
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KSA showcases literary, religious heritage in Rabat

KSA showcases literary, religious heritage in Rabat

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs is taking part in the 30th Rabat International Book and Publishing Fair, running until April 27 in the Moroccan capital.

It reflects the ministry’s efforts to promote the Kingdom’s message of moderation and tolerance, and its commitment to printing, publishing and teaching the Holy Qur’an, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministry’s pavilion features a section from the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an in Madinah, showcasing a wide range of printed Qur’ans and translations in various languages.

Another section highlights the Makkah Library, displaying rare and historical Islamic manuscripts from renowned writers, linguists and scholars.

Represented by the General Secretariat for Exhibitions and Conferences, the ministry is also presenting a range of digital applications and programs for fair visitors.

The Kingdom’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission is also taking part, showcasing initiatives aimed at advancing the publishing industry and enriching cultural activities.

These include supporting Saudi publishers and literary agents globally, presenting the Kingdom’s intellectual heritage, highlighting its cultural traditions and promoting local literary output.