Biman offers cheaper tickets to 4 more Gulf countries for migrant workers

After Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has now introduced special discounted fares for migrant workers on four more Middle Eastern routes.

The special rates will apply only to one-way travel to the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar, and will be valid until Dec 31, the national carrier said in a notice on Monday.

The discount scheme for remittance earners already in effect for the Saudi Arabia and Malaysia routes will also continue, according to Biman.

Initially, the one-way special fare for new workers on these two routes was valid from Feb 10 to Jun 30. However, Biman has now extended the duration of the offer.

In an earlier email to travel agents, Biman said the base fare (excluding taxes) under the "Worker Fare" initiative would be $360 from Dhaka to Saudi Arabia and $150 from Dhaka to Kuala Lumpur. For departures from other cities in Bangladesh, the base fare to Kuala Lumpur would be $175.

Currently, travel agents charge a base fare of $400 to $480 for tickets from Dhaka to Saudi Arabia, and $300 to $350 for Malaysia.

Previously, Biman required passengers to present a Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) card or verification for discounted fares on the Malaysia and Saudi routes.

However, ABM Raoshan Kabir, general manager of Biman’s Public Relations Department, said that the process has now been simplified.

“There were complications before when BMET verification was mandatory. Now, the system has been made easier. If a passenger can prove they are travelling as a migrant worker, they can avail of this fare. BMET verification is no longer compulsory,” he said.

However, as before, passengers travelling with Umrah visas, family visit visas, or residence permits will not be eligible for the discounted fare.

Addressing the fare structure on the four new routes, Kabir said: “These will fall under the ‘T’ layer of the RBD (Reservation Booking Designator), meaning the lowest fare tier will apply.

“That said, not everyone on the same flight can get this offer. A fixed number of seats will be allocated for migrant workers. The offer will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. If a passenger misses it on one flight, they may be able to get it on the next.”