DHAKA: Qatar is set to recruit more than one lakh laborers from Bangladesh for the necessary construction works in the country ahead of FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment minister Khandker Mosharraf Hossain disclosed the matter to journalists at Probashi Kallyan Bhaban at Eskaton in city on Monday.

The minister led a high-level delegation in Qatar from February 23 to 26.

He further said Qatar government has approved ‘letter of demand’ and visas for some 50,000 laborers in the first two months of current year.

The country will approve, at least, another 150,000 more visas in the impending 10 months, he added.

The minister further said there will be no costs to go to Qatar as the recruiting agencies will bear the plane fare, visa and other expenditures.

Bangladeshi laborers will have to spend only around Tk 10,000-15,000 for passports and other purposes, he added.

However, FIFA World Cup for 2022 is scheduled to take place in Qatar.

Sources said that Qatar government has been constructing nine new international standard football stadiums and refurbishing six cities ahead of the tournament, expending about USD 134 billion.

According to sources, Bangladesh government is expected to sign an accord with the Qatar government in this regard soon.

Currently, Tk 200,000-300,000 is required to go to Qatar.

BDST: 1748 HRS, MAR 02, 2015