Laos has suspended approvals for new work permits, labour import plans and employment projects for Bangladeshi nationals.

The suspension took effect on September 1 and runs until December 31, according to a directive issued by the Laotian labour ministry on September 9 and reported by The Laotian Times. New LA-B2 labour visas for Bangladeshi citizens will also be withheld over the period.

The directive cites efforts to curb illegal migration, human trafficking, unauthorised labour suppliers and employers avoiding responsibility after bringing in workers. It does not specify why Bangladeshi nationals are targeted, however.

Under the measure, individuals, companies, employers and labour-supplying organisations cannot independently secure approval for Bangladeshi citizens to enter or work in Laos.

State-approved large priority projects operating under fixed contractual schedules are exempt.

Violations carry fines, mandatory deportation and the revocation of business licences. Importing or hiring workers without approval incurs a fine of 2.5 million Laotian Kip (about $110) per worker per offence, with the same penalty applying to workers imported for redistribution to another unit.

Using or accepting workers assigned elsewhere carries a fine of 2 million Laotian Kip (about $89) per worker per offence. Workers moving to a different workplace without approval face a 1 million Laotian Kip fine (about $44) and potential deportation within 30 days, with employers or responsible parties covering all deportation and travel-related costs.

Repeat offences carry fines of up to three times the original amount alongside legal proceedings.

The decision follows the United Arab Emirates’ recent cancellation of visas for about 5,000 Bangladeshis, adding to uncertainty surrounding the country’s overseas employment sector. Some 3,289 Bangladeshi workers have gone to Laos this year across various sectors.