Photo: Ministry

DHAKA, Aug 4, 2026 (BSS) - The Shipping, Road Transport and Bridges and also Railways Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam today directed the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to resolve visa, transit and crew change-related problems faced by Bangladeshi seafarers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other countries.

"The expansion of employment opportunities for Bangladeshi seafarers in the international shipping industry and ensuring their smooth movement are closely linked to the national interest," the minister said this while chairing the first meeting of the National Maritime Council at the Shipping Ministry here today.

He urged the ministries and agencies concerned to strengthen inter-ministerial coordination and diplomatic engagement with the relevant countries and, if necessary, form a committee to address the issues.

State Minister for Shipping and Bridges Md Rajib Ahsan, MP, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other ministries, divisions and agencies, as well as stakeholders from the maritime industry, also attended the meeting.

Different difficulties faced by Bangladeshi seafarers in obtaining UAE transit visas, crew change visas, shore passes and entry clearances dominated the discussion, said a release here this afternoon.
 
Although Bangladesh is one of the world's major suppliers of seafarers, these restrictions have recently created obstacles to recruitment, crew relief and employment aboard international vessels, shrinking overseas job opportunities and reducing the country's foreign currency earnings, the participants observed.

The meeting underscored the need for intensifying diplomatic efforts with the UAE and other relevant countries, including through the Bangladesh Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Bangladesh Consulate General in Dubai, to ensure the smooth movement of Bangladeshi seafarers.

The council also reviewed Bangladesh's preparations for the 2028 IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS), implementation of the Hong Kong Convention, development of a roadmap for Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDF), and measures to implement the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Net-Zero Framework.

The meeting also stressed on formulating a comprehensive National Maritime Policy to strengthen maritime security, promote the blue economy, modernise port management, expand employment opportunities for seafarers and ensure the sustainable development of the country's maritime sector.