Minister announces 100-bed accommodation at Hajj Camp for expat Bangladeshis

The Wage Earners' Centre's existing facility houses only 49 workers at a time

Expatriate Bangladeshis will get temporary accommodation at the Ashkona Hajj Camp under a new government initiative aimed at helping travellers affected by flight disruptions and emergencies.

On Sunday, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury announced plans for a 100-bed facility during a visit to the Hajj Camp.

According to the ministry, the initiative follows a directive from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and a proposal from the religious affairs minister.

The minister said the Wage Earners' Centre, operated by the ministry, currently provides accommodation for 49 departing migrant workers.

He said the additional facility at the Hajj Camp near Shahjalal International Airport would help expatriates whose flights are delayed or cancelled unexpectedly.

The accommodation will include 50 beds for men and 50 for women.

The project will be financed entirely by the Wage Earners' Welfare Board, which operates under the ministry.

Highlighting the government's expatriate-focused policies, Ariful said it remained committed to expanding services for Bangladeshis working overseas.

He said wars, adverse weather and other unforeseen events frequently disrupted flights, leaving expatriates struggling to find accommodation near the airport.

"The new facility at the Hajj Camp will significantly ease their hardship," he said.