Laos Suspends New Hiring and Work Visas for Bangladeshi Workers

The process of recruiting Bangladeshi citizens as new workers in Laos has been temporarily suspended. At the same time, approval of recruitment quotas, the recruitment process, work permits and the issuance of LA-B2 labor visas for Bangladeshi workers have also been temporarily halted. Bangladesh’s Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment confirmed the decision by the Lao government in a notice published on September 28.

According to the ministry’s notice, Laos’ Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare issued a directive on September 9 regarding the matter. Under the directive, several procedures related to the recruitment of Bangladeshi citizens as new workers have been suspended from September 1, 2026. The suspension is scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2026. This means that during this period, new recruitment of Bangladeshi workers in Laos, approval of new work permits and issuance of LA-B2 labor visas will remain suspended.

As a result, Bangladeshi workers who are planning to travel to Laos for employment will have to wait for the time being. Those preparing for new jobs, work permits or labor visas are advised to follow any further decisions from the Lao government. However, the decision does not mean that the jobs or legal status of all Bangladeshi workers currently living and working in Laos have been cancelled. The temporary suspension mainly applies to new worker recruitment and related approvals.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment has advised workers to remain cautious in the current situation. Workers have been warned not to make any financial transactions without proper verification if anyone claims to offer jobs or work permits in Laos during the suspension period. The ministry has also emphasized following government-approved information and legal procedures when seeking overseas employment.

Laos has recently emerged as a potential labor market for Bangladeshi workers. Therefore, the suspension of new recruitment and work permit approvals has created temporary uncertainty for Bangladeshi workers interested in traveling to the country for employment. No new decision has yet been announced regarding the situation after December 31. Until further government instructions are issued, workers are advised to remain cautious about seeking new employment opportunities in Laos.