Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday lauded Bangladeshi expatriate workers in Oman saying they are contributing to the socioeconomic development of both countries, news agency UNB reports.

“Bangladeshi workers have contribution to your economy as well as to that of Bangladesh. Both economies are benefiting from the workforce,” she said.

Prime Minister’s press secretary M Nayeemul Islam Khan briefed reporters after the call on.

The ambassador agreed with the prime minister on the performance of Bangladeshi workers in his country.

“It is true and they are working for the both economies,” he said.

The envoy mentioned that Oman has been maintaining 7 per cent GDP growth for a long time and it expects to attain a double-digit level growth.

“The GDP growth might double in the coming days,” he said.

The issue of Oman's support to Bangladesh during Bangladesh's graduation from LDC was also discussed.

Regarding the issue of visa restriction on Bangladeshis, the envoy informed that about a million Bangladeshis are working in Oman.

He said that some ten categories of Omanese visas for Bangladeshis exist now.

In this connection he suggested to Bangladesh foreign ministry send a letter to his government for lifting the bar. This, he said, help him discuss the matter with his higher authorities in favour of Bangladesh.

“We have started working on the issue so that the working visa can be started soon,” he said.

The ambassador highly appreciated the leadership of Sheikh Hasina and congratulated her on reelection in January.

He also said that it would be good that Bangladesh graduates as a developing nation under the able leadership of Hasina.

“Bangabandhu would have been proud of you,” he said.

The ambassador gave replica of an Omanis boat as a guft to the PM.

Ambassador-at-large Mohammad Ziauddin was present in the meeting.

bd-pratidin/GR