Published : 05 Oct 2026, 02:11 PM
Updated : 05 Oct 2026, 02:11 PM
Laos has temporarily suspended the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers, issuance of work permits and entry visas for Bangladeshi nationals seeking employment in the Southeast Asian nation.
Against this backdrop, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment has advised workers planning to travel to Laos not to do so and to remain alert to fraudulent recruitment networks.
The ministry recently issued an urgent notice warning the public about the situation.
According to the notice, the Bangladesh Embassy in Laos took note of reports circulating in various media outlets and social media platforms about job opportunities in Laos. To verify the reports, the embassy contacted Laos’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant authorities.
The notice said the Lao government had closed its labour market for Bangladeshi workers, along with the issuance of work permits and entry visas (LA-B2), since Sept 9.
Laos’s Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare issued a notice saying the restrictions will remain in effect from Sept 1 through Dec 31.
The expatriates’ welfare ministry has, therefore, urged all concerned to exercise caution about travelling to Laos until further notice.
The ministry also urged people not to fall prey to any kind of inducement, fake visas or schemes operated by unauthorised recruiting agencies.
It further advised prospective workers to verify any visa or job offer through information sources approved by the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare before making any commitment.
How Did 715 Workers Get BMET Clearance?
However, data from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) show that 715 workers from Bangladesh received clearance to travel to Laos between Sept 1 and Oct 5, even though visa processing had been suspended.
Asked about the matter, BMET Deputy Director of the Emigration Branch Mizanur Rahman told bdnews24.com on Monday afternoon: “As far as I understand, they already had their visas, and those visas had been attested. In other words, only those who had obtained visas before the labour market was closed were given clearance during this period. No new clearances were issued.”
