Moving from Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia should cost between BDT 80,000 and BDT 150,000 (approximately SAR 2,500-4,700) through legitimate channels. This covers medical exams, biometrics, agency fees, training, and your flight. Many Bangladeshi workers report paying BDT 300,000-500,000, but these inflated figures reflect illegal overcharging by unlicensed agents. Understanding the real costs protects you from exploitation and ensures you start your Saudi journey on solid financial footing.
Pre-Departure Costs in Bangladesh
These are the costs you will pay in Bangladesh before your departure. The Bangladesh government has set a maximum total recruitment cost of BDT 84,000 for Saudi Arabia through BMET-licensed agencies.
| Item | BDT | SAR |
|---|---|---|
| GAMCA medical examination | 5,000-8,000 | 155-250 |
| Biometrics (VFS Global) | 4,500-6,000 | 140-190 |
| BMET smart card & registration | 3,000-5,000 | 95-155 |
| Pre-departure training | 2,000-3,000 | 62-95 |
| Agency service fee | 20,000-50,000 | 625-1,560 |
| Passport (if new/renewal) | 5,000-10,000 | 155-310 |
| Photos, documents, courier | 2,000-3,000 | 62-95 |
| Pre-departure subtotal | 41,500-85,000 | 1,295-2,655 |
Flights from Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia
Direct flights operate from Dhaka (Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport) to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Chittagong also has some direct connections. Flight time is approximately 6-7 hours.
One-way economy fares cost BDT 30,000-55,000 (SAR 940-1,720) depending on the airline and booking time. Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudia, and flynas offer regular service. Under Saudi labour law, your employer should cover the initial flight, but many workers pay their own airfare. Confirm this in your employment contract before departure.
Baggage allowance is typically 30kg checked + 7kg cabin. Shipping additional belongings via cargo from Dhaka costs approximately BDT 8,000-15,000 for 30-50kg.
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Most Bangladeshi workers receive employer-provided accommodation and do not need to find their own housing. However, you will still have initial expenses during your first month:
| Item | SAR | BDT |
|---|---|---|
| SIM card & mobile plan | 50-150 | 1,600-4,800 |
| Work clothes / safety equipment | 100-300 | 3,200-9,600 |
| Groceries & personal items | 200-400 | 6,400-12,800 |
| Transport (local) | 50-150 | 1,600-4,800 |
| Bank account opening | 0 (free) | 0 |
| First-month subtotal | 400-1,000 | 12,800-32,000 |
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Here is the complete picture for a Bangladeshi worker moving to Saudi Arabia in 2026:
Best case (employer covers visa + flight): BDT 55,000-90,000 (SAR 1,720-2,810). You pay only medical tests, biometrics, agency fee, training, and first-month expenses.
Typical case (self-funded flight): BDT 80,000-150,000 (SAR 2,500-4,700). All pre-departure costs plus your own flight ticket.
Danger zone (overcharged): BDT 300,000+. This likely means illegal overcharging. Report to BMET and the Bangladesh Embassy. The government maximum is BDT 84,000 for the recruitment process.
How to Protect Yourself
Recruitment fraud remains a serious issue in the Bangladesh-Saudi corridor. Follow these safeguards:
Verify your agency on the BMET website (bmet.gov.bd). Only use agencies with a valid BMET licence. Check the specific agent handling your case.
Never pay more than BDT 84,000 in total recruitment fees (excluding passport and flight). The government has set this ceiling for Saudi Arabia. Document all payments with receipts.
Get everything in writing: Your employment contract should specify job title, salary, working hours, accommodation, food, medical insurance, and flight provisions. Get both Bengali and Arabic versions.
Verify the employer on the Saudi MOHRE website (mol.gov.sa). Check that the company is active and has a valid labour quota.
For visa types and worker rights, read the Saudi Work Visa from Bangladesh 2026 guide. For country-level details, see the Saudi Arabia country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move from Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia?
The legitimate total cost is BDT 80,000-150,000 (SAR 2,500-4,700). This includes medical exam (BDT 5,000-8,000), biometrics (BDT 4,500-6,000), BMET registration and smart card (BDT 3,000-5,000), agency fees (BDT 20,000-50,000), pre-departure training (BDT 2,000-3,000), passport (BDT 5,000-10,000), and flights (BDT 30,000-55,000). Your employer should cover the visa fee itself. Beware of agencies charging BDT 300,000+ — this is illegal overcharging.
Who pays for the flight to Saudi Arabia?
Under Saudi labour law, the employer is responsible for the worker's initial flight to Saudi Arabia. In practice, many employers cover this cost, but some smaller companies expect the worker to pay. One-way economy flights from Dhaka to Riyadh or Jeddah cost BDT 30,000-55,000 (SAR 940-1,720). Confirm flight arrangements in writing before accepting a job offer.
What is the maximum legal recruitment fee in Bangladesh?
The Bangladesh government has set a maximum recruitment cost of BDT 84,000 for Saudi Arabia. This includes all agency fees, medical tests, biometrics, training, and smart card. Any agent demanding more is violating the law. Report overcharging to the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) hotline. Despite regulations, some workers still report paying BDT 200,000-400,000 — always verify your agency's licence on the BMET website.
Does the employer provide accommodation in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, Saudi labour law requires employers to provide accommodation for foreign workers or pay a housing allowance. Most companies provide shared company accommodation for workers in construction, manufacturing, and services sectors. Professional roles (engineers, IT, healthcare) typically receive a housing allowance of SAR 1,000-3,000/month. Company accommodation quality varies — ask for photos or a video call with current workers before accepting.
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