The auxiliary law-enforcement agency will send within a month 131 members, who have already completed necessary training, to Saudi Arabia in the first batch.

They will have at least three-year job contract at monthly pay of 400 rial.

If the venture proves successful, the government will send more women ansars to other countries, especially to Middle Eastern nations where demand for female domestic helps is high.

The government decided on June 19 to go for overseas household jobs for ansar and VDP (Village Defence Police) members. "Male ansars will also be sent abroad in the future," a source at the home ministry said.

In the first phase, 161 female ansars aged between 25-35 were initially selected from 64 districts for training.

They received training at Gazipur Ansar Academy in household work-- operating television, vacuum cleaner, washing machine, air conditioner, dryer, oven, telephone, ironing, and serving foods and taking care of children and the elderly.

They also received English and Arabic language training.

Four government-approved recruiting agencies -- Enam International, Royal Associates, Akbar Enterprise and Al Baraka International -- will look after the recruitment and their security matters.

Though there is demand for female labourers in Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries, housemaids there alleged harassment by their employers.