The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh is expected to achieve the target of sending 10 lakh workers abroad this year as in first six months some 5.10 lakh workers already got clearance from the concerned authorities.

Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Abdul Matin Chowdhury told reporters yesterday that some 3.15 lakh workers already left for their destination countries with jobs.

He said some 20,000 to 25,000 workers are going to the UAE every month.

In reply to a question, Chowdhury said the dimension of problems in

Saudi Arabia has been reduced. He said some 1.5 lakh workers were already cleared for Saudi Arabia where 17 lakh Bangladeshis are currently employed.

Last year 8.32 lakh workers were sent abroad while remittances received by the government were estimated at US $ 6.4 billion.