The Bangladesh  government has made coordinated efforts to help expatriates return hasslefree to their workplaces in five countries by special flights from Saturday in view of the ongoinglockdown, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said on Friday.

The government gave the green signal to all the airlines, including Biman Bangladesh, to operate special flights to five countries - Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Singapore - in a bid to help stranded Bangladeshi  expatriate workers join their workplaces.
 
“Many reached out to us after the announcement of lockdown, saying they would lose their jobs if they could not return abroad, and their visa validity would expire. We don’t want to see our expatriates face any difficulty,” Momen said.

Asked about possible rise in ticket fare, Momen said normally the fares of special flight tickets remain comparatively higher than that of regular flights as the return flights will be empty, The Dhaka tribune report said.

Momen said travel arrangements would be made on a priority basis for those who have visas and work permits.

On those who bought tickets for April 14, 15 and 16 but could not leave Dhaka for their destination due to the suspension of flight operations, Momen said arrangements would be made for them on a priority basis so that they can reach their destinations.

Momen said the government has made arrangements to bring passengers who purchased tickets from Chittagong to Dhaka, as the special flights will be operated from Dhaka only.

He said the police will not stop the people who have booked tickets and have Covid-19 test reports.

The government has decided to discourage expatriate Bangladeshis from returning home during the lockdown, unless there is an emergency.

“If they come, they’ll have to follow a minimum 14-day mandatory institutional quarantine,” the minister said.

Each of those returning will have to furnish Covid-19 negative certificate. The Bangladesh missions abroad will prepare the lists of those who need to come to Bangladesh due to an emergency.

(SAM)