Japan to recruit 100,000 skilled workers from BD

Diplomatic Correspondent :

A Japanese delegation from the National Business Support Combined Cooperatives (NBCC) met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to discuss progress on recruiting 100,000 skilled workers from Bangladesh.

The 23-member delegation met the Chief Adviser on Sunday afternoon at the State Guest House Jamuna.

The meeting was also attended by Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul and Chief Coordinator for SDG Affairs Lamia Morshed.

NBCC, a federation of over 65 Japanese companies, recently signed a Memorandum of Intent (MoI) with Bangladesh to facilitate the recruitment of skilled Bangladeshi workers.

The agreement aims to establish a framework for training, certification, and employment in Japan under the Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP) and Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) schemes.

Over the next five years, more than 100,000 Bangladeshi workers are expected to be recruited through these programmes.

Delegation members said that under the first phase of the MoI, 2,000 skilled workers are expected to be recruited next year, followed by 6,000 in 2027 and 18,000 in 2028.

They identified the construction, service, aviation, garments, and agriculture sectors as having the highest demand for workers.

They also noted rising demand in automobile driving, automotive maintenance, and recycling industries.

To prepare candidates for deployment, two training centres – one in Khulna and another in Kapasia, Gazipur – are providing skill development courses. The NBCC delegation members have already inspected both facilities.

During the meeting, the Chief Adviser inquired whether there were any gaps in the training process.

NBCC Chairman Mikio Kesagayama, who led the delegation, said, “When I visited the training centres last March, they were in the early stages. This time, I am amazed at the progress made in just seven months.

We are very satisfied with the training and expect to recruit 2,000 skilled workers next year.”

He, however, noted that improving the instructors’ Japanese language proficiency would enhance the programme’s overall quality.

Chief Adviser Yunus emphasised that language skill remains the main challenge.

“Virtual classes could be introduced with Japanese instructors teaching online.

We could also consider bringing Japanese trainers to Bangladesh to support local instructors,” he suggested.

Highlighting the diligence of Bangladeshi women, Professor Yunus said they could play an exceptional role in Japan’s caregiving sector.

“Bangladeshi women are naturally caring and hardworking. With proper language and professional training, they can excel as caregivers in Japan,” he added.

He noted that while the initial phase might seem difficult, once trained, Bangladeshi women could teach others, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.

The NBCC delegation said Japan will need over 400,000 skilled nurses in the coming years, and they would consider hiring more nurses from Bangladesh.

Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul informed the delegation that the government is regularly monitoring progress on worker recruitment to Japan.

“We are preparing a specific roadmap to ensure smooth implementation,” he said.

He also mentioned that a dedicated cell has been formed under the ministry to address challenges related to overseas employment in Japan.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing optimism that the partnership would create new employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers and strengthen bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan.