Govt considering airfare subsidy for Middle-East bound workers: Mahbub

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Mahbub Ali has said that the government has been considering subsidising airfare for Middle East-bound migrant workers through the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment.

The state minister said while talking to reporters after inspecting the construction of the new terminal building and extension work at Osmani International Airport of Sylhet on Tuesday.

"Our Middle East-bound migrants are facing financial hurdles due to increased airfare. But, it is an international issue and not within the control of national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Therefore, we are working in coordination with the Expatriates' Welfare Ministry on how the government can assist the expatriates through subsidies in this regard,” M Mahbub Ali added.

He also said the Middle-East bound workers usually book their tickets four to five days before their departure as they get their visas on a short notice. However, ticket prices are usually higher when the departure date is near.

Apart from that, the state minister said an audit team from New York visiting Bangladesh on February 27 to initiate direct flights between New York and Sylhet.