THE overwhelming reliance on Saudi Arabia as the primary destination for Bangladeshi workers poses significant risks to the industry’s long-term sustainability.
Our newspaper on Tuesday reported that the Bangladesh’s manpower export sector stands now at a critical juncture due to a dilemma on the diversification of its marketing strategy.
Recent data from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) reveals that a staggering 374,383 of the 698,558 workers sent abroad this year found employment in Saudi Arabia, while other traditional markets languish in uncertainty.
The closure of key labour markets, particularly Malaysia, has exacerbated this dependency.
Industry stakeholders, including leaders from the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA), have highlighted the urgent need for government intervention.
Without strategic action to reopen these markets, the sector may risk becoming overly vulnerable to fluctuations in demand from a single country.
Moreover, emerging opportunities in Europe and Central Asia remain largely untapped.
Countries such as Germany, Italy, and Kazakhstan are actively seeking foreign labour, yet bureaucratic hurdles, including the absence of visa centres in Bangladesh, hinder access to these markets.
As one recruiter aptly noted, potential exports could rise dramatically if visa processes were streamlined, with estimates suggesting the capacity to send thousands of workers to these nations, rather than the mere hundreds currently being dispatched.
The government must take immediate steps to diversify the manpower export landscape. This includes negotiating with key host countries to ensure access to their labour markets and establishing visa centres in Bangladesh for European nations.
The suggestion to implement online or on-arrival visa systems is particularly promising and could facilitate a more efficient process for prospective workers.
We have to say that in a global economy where demand for skilled labour is ever-increasing, Bangladesh cannot afford to remain stagnant.
The potential for increased foreign currency earnings through expanded manpower exports is significant. By prioritising strategic negotiations and enhancing diplomatic efforts, the government can not only safeguard the livelihoods of countless Bangladeshi families but also contribute to national economic growth.
As the sector navigates these challenges, we urge the authority that stakeholders should work collaboratively with the government to explore new markets and ensure a more resilient future for Bangladesh’s manpower exports. We must remember that the stakes are too high to ignore.