Expressing concern over the high airfare to different Middle Eastern destinations, the Expatriates' Welfare Ministry today sent a letter to the civil aviation ministry to take measures to reduce the price of air tickets.

"We have given the matter importance. We have already placed the issue (of high airfares) in different concerned forums. Our minister already gave a demi official (DO) letter to the inter-ministerial meeting to address the issue," Dr Ahmed Munirus Saleheen, secretary, Expatriates Welfare Ministry told The Daily Star today.

"I think the airfare to different Middle Eastern destinations should be rational," he added.

When this correspondent asked about introducing the labor fare for the outbound Bangladeshi expatriate workers, Munirus said his ministry is working on it.

Airfares for flights to different Middle Eastern countries have doubled since last month, adding pressure on migrant workers returning to their workplaces.

In November, airfares for different Middle Eastern countries were between Tk 40,000 and Tk 45,000. At present, the prices are between Tk 70,000 and Tk 90,000, which is illogical and unexpected, said Bangladeshi expatriates.

Amid this situation, the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) and Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies leaders have demanded that the government forms a regulatory board immediately to address the issue.