Dhaka, Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has directed officials to fast-track Bangladeshi passport issuance for Rohingya people in Saudi Arabia with valid documentation. He issued the directive during a meeting with Saudi Ambassador Abdullah Jafar H. bin Abiyar at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Monday, April 20, 2026. The Home Ministry confirmed the directive through an official statement.
Around 69,000 displaced Myanmar nationals Rohingya people currently reside in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi ambassador raised the matter of accelerating the passport process during the courtesy meeting. Both sides discussed law enforcement cooperation, bilateral security, and Saudi investment in tourism and energy sectors.
The minister confirmed that 22,000 Rohingya have already received Bangladeshi passports based on documented eligibility. Bangladesh has also dispatched a special team to Saudi Arabia to accelerate the process. The minister emphasized that the procedure will continue without delay.
Moreover, Minister Ahmed issued a firm warning. He stated that no corruption or irregularity will be tolerated in the passport issuance process. He further instructed relevant officials to obtain the full list from Saudi Arabia and conduct fresh verification. Consequently, authorities will cross-check every applicant before approving documentation.
The minister confirmed that any Myanmar national holding valid Bangladeshi documents or meeting eligibility criteria must receive their passport swiftly. He also accepted the ambassador’s invitation to visit Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, he indicated that a high-level delegation may travel to Riyadh in the first half of July 2026.
These Rohingya families have lived without legal identity for decades. They fled mass atrocities in their homeland. However, a valid passport represents far more than a travel document it is the first recognition of their humanity. Statelessness leaves them vulnerable to exploitation, detention, and abuse in every country they inhabit.
Bangladesh’s initiative signals a meaningful, if partial, step. The process must remain corruption-free to truly serve these displaced people. Consequently, international observers will watch whether this fast-track promise translates into reality for tens of thousands still waiting.
