It’s known all over the globe that owing to economic impoverishment and also mounting despondency a considerable section of workers from Bangladesh go abroad, especially in Gulf countries, in search of jobs and naturally they get vulnerable to a range of humiliations and exploitations. However, from this time, there is something good for Bangladeshi domestic workers, working in the Gulf countries, to enliven. From this time forth they will get obligatory insurance cover effective and this has been confirmed by none other than the country’s Consul General in Dubai.

The notable approach has taken place thanks to the grand initiatives of Oman Insurance Company (OIC) and Consulate General of Bangladesh. They have jointly announced in Dubai the mandatory insurance cover for Bangladeshi housemaids working in the country. In this context, a

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Md. Abu Zafar, the Counsel General of Bangladesh in Dubai and Chief Executive Officer of OIC Abdul Muttalib Mustafa Al Jaidi.

Speaking on this the jubilant Bangladeshi Counsel General, Abu Zafar stated, “The first-of-its kind scheme in the Middle East is being introduced for Bangladeshi domestic workers in Dubai for the first time and we want to extent this cover to other Gulf countries and North Africa.” 

On the word of him, domestic workers from Bangladesh entering the country after February 7 to work in Dubai and Northern Emirates can avail the benefits of this insurance cover and he is confident that this would also diminish the financial burden of sponsors in case of any unfortunate incident. It has been learnt that for the current housemaids it will become mandatory at the time of renewal of their visas. As per the contract, the sponsor has to avail this insurance cover for the domestic worker, which will render compensation for death, accidental medical expenses, repatriation expenses, legal expenses etc.

In accordance with the consulate, there are in excess of 7,000 Bangladeshi domestic workers in Dubai and Northern Emirates. The sponsor will pay Dh200 for a 24-month policy.