Reduce air fare for expats

Bangladesh Expatriate Rights Council has demanded that the air fare be reduced for the expatriates flying to the Middle-Eastern countries with jobs.

The council submitted a three-point demand to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, said a press release issued by the council yesterday.

The immigration expenses have been increasing rapidly in accordance with the air fare hike adding to the plight of expatriates. The council also demanded that the number of flights to the Middle-East be increased. It said that a regulatory board should be set up to control the air fare hike.

For the last one month, expatriates have been facing numerous problems due to the air fare surge for those travelling to the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the council also placed a 10-point demand to ensure the rights of the 1.20 crore Bangladeshi expatriates working in different countries. The mortal remains of Bangladeshi nationals who die abroad should be brought home on government expenses, it said.

The council also urged for ensuring the voting rights and NID of expatriates. It also asked to stop the harassment of expatriates at airports in Bangladesh. Besides, dual citizenship laws should be formed and pension facilities for expatriates should be ensured, according to the council.

Moreover, broker-free passport and embassy services should be ensured with passport modification opportunities as well as the formulation and implementation of Expatriate Protection Act. Special allocation for expatriates should be ensured in the national budget, it added.