100-bed facility for expats at HajjCamp: Minister

A 100-bed transit accommodation facility is likely to be set up at the Hajj Camp in Ashkona, Dhaka, to provide temporary shelter for Bangladeshi migrant workers facing travel disruptions. With the consent of the Religious Affairs Ministry, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry will establish it.

After visiting the Ashkona Hajj camp, located near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, on Sunday, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury made the announcement.

Under the directive of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and following a proposal from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the initiative is being implemented.

 The project will be fully financed by the Wage Earners' Welfare Board, an agency under the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment.

Ariful Haque Chowdhury stated the new facility will offer separate accommodation for men and women, with 50 beds allocated for each. It is intended to support outbound migrant workers who require temporary lodging due to emergencies, flight cancellations, or other unforeseen travel disruptions.

Currently, the Ministry operates the Wage Earners' Centre, which has accommodation capacity for 49 migrant workers. However, the minister said the additional 100-bed facility at the Hajj Camp would significantly ease hardship the expatriate workers faced during crisis situations, particularly when flights are delayed or cancelled because of conflicts, adverse weather conditions, or other operational issues.

"The present government remains fully committed to enhancing the welfare and services available to Bangladeshi migrant workers," Ariful said. "Many expatriates experience accommodation difficulties near the airport during unexpected travel disruptions. This new facility at the Hajj Camp will provide them with a safe and convenient place to stay."

Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Secretary Md. Mokhtar Ahmed, Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, and senior officials of the Hajj Camp were present during the inspection.