Global Net Report : Saudi expatriates took to the streets again on Tuesday morning to demand an end to air ticket and visa complications. At around 10 am, they landed on the main road near the Karwan Bazar area of the capital. Although the road was closed at around 10:30 am, the blockade caused traffic jam on the road. Traffic jams were created in a long area from Karwan Bazar to Bijoy Sarani.
Today, the Saudi expatriates blocked the road in front of the SAARC fountain with banners in their hands. They demanded an automatic visa extension and an end to harassment over ticketing. The protesters left around 10:30 am. Then the traffic started slowing down.
Belal Hossain, a Saudi expatriate who took part in the protest, told that the government could solve the problem of visa renewal if it wanted to. If the expatriate minister asks the Saudi embassy to take action, Saudi Arabia must do so.
Saudi expatriates have been protesting since last Monday demanding tickets. Many of them demanded the extension of their Iqama (work permit) in Saudi Arabia and the introduction of multiple flights. Meanwhile, on September 23, Saudi Arabia announced to extend the term of Iqama till October 24. On the same day, Foreign Minister Abdul Momen said that the Iqama of Bangladeshi workers would be valid for another 24 days and would be extended if necessary. He said the Saudi government has agreed to extend the visas of all Bangladeshis who want to return to their workplace in Saudi Arabia.
Following this announcement, Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Saudi Airlines again increased the number of their flights. However, the Saudi expatriates were angry about getting the tickets and at the same time they were demanding the cancellation of the instruction to do so through the visa renewal agency.
