Under the new labour agreement signed between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia early this month, every worker must receive a documented offer and contract before departure, issued through authorised digital channels, ensuring ethical recruitment and protecting dignity.

Saudi Minister for Human Resources and Social Development Ahmad Bin Solaiman Al-Rajhi said this in a statement on Tuesday.

Al-Rajhi and Bangladeshi Expatriates' Welfare Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul signed the agreement on October 6 in Saudi Arabia, making it the first such deal signed by the two countries.

Earlier in 2015, the two countries signed an agreement concerning domestic worker recruitment and another concerning skill verification in 2022.

Currently, there are about 25 lakh Bangladeshis in the Kingdom, but there have been numerous reports of labour abuse, including high recruitment costs, joblessness, underpayment and deportation of Bangladeshi workers.

"The agreement clearly prohibits any recruitment agency or employer from charging workers unauthorised fees or deducting costs from their salaries -- a critical safeguard that protects workers and ensures accountability on both sides," Saudi Minister Al-Rajhi said.

"The same care applies to domestic workers, who will benefit from defined roles, fair terms, and job-readiness preparation before they leave home," he added.

Equally important, the agreement strengthens welfare and access to justice. Both governments have agreed to promote safe working and living conditions, provide 24-hour assistance, and enable efficient resolution of disputes.

"The agreement also guarantees that every worker's salary will be paid directly into a bank account in their name, reinforcing our commitment to wage protection and financial transparency," the Saudi minister added.

This agreement offers a platform for deeper alignment for the government of Bangladesh, training institutions, recruitment agencies, Saudi employers and the workers themselves.

"It is an invitation for curricula to match real demand, for institutions to certify to global benchmarks, and for workers to take pride in credentials that are meaningful across borders," Al-Rajhi said.

According to the statement, to ensure accountability and progress, a Joint Technical Committee will meet regularly to monitor implementation, review challenges, and recommend improvements.

Bangladesh, for its part, has committed to ensuring that all workers are medically fit, properly trained, and briefed on Saudi laws, customs, and workplace standards before departure.

The Kingdom has in recent years modernised the mechanisms of recruitment, employment, and mobility. Digital systems now document contracts before travel, reducing ambiguity and risk. The Wage Protection System ensures that salaries are disbursed electronically, full and on time.

The Saudi Minister said generations of Bangladeshi workers have contributed to the development of Saudi Arabia, as well as supporting families in that country and in Bangladesh.

"That legacy is one of shared endeavour. But as times change, so too must the frameworks through which we engage," Al-Rajhi said.

Under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, new sectors are opening, demand is diversifying, and opportunities abound, he said.