Govt working to ensure foreign visa services available

The government is pursuing an ambitious strategy to expand country’s presence in global labour markets, with the goal of securing employment opportunities for 10 million workers overseas in line with its election manifesto commitments.

State Minister for the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Nurul Haque came up with the remarks while talking to the journalists at the Foreign Ministry on Monday.

Following a high-level meeting between the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the State Minister detailed plans to revitalise stagnant markets and secure new opportunities for Bangladeshi workers.

He said that the meeting was a direct follow-up to a special discussion in Parliament last Thursday, initiated by a notice from the Leader of the Opposition regarding the welfare of the diaspora community.

“A primary focus of the discussions was the reopening and expansion of key markets, most notably Malaysia, which has been closed to Bangladeshi workers for a significant period,” he said.

State Minister Nur expressed optimism that the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit from June 21-22 to Malaysia would be a catalyst for progress.

“Malaysia is our second-largest labour market,” the Minister noted, adding that while the Prime Minister’s visit to China will focus on trade and diplomacy, the Malaysian leg will prioritise the labour market.

“Our ministry has already held various discussions, and the joint committee of the two countries has also moved forward. I hope that when the Prime Minister goes, it will be further accelerated,” he said.

Beyond Malaysia, the government is looking at a broader horizon, the State Minister revealed, adding that 18 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been sent to various countries, including Thailand, and are currently awaiting signature.

Addressing the controversial Russian labour market, State Minister Nur clarified the government’s stance following reports of 30 Bangladeshi recruits being sent to the war front.

While acknowledging the incident, he emphasised the vast potential for employment in Russia due to the current geopolitical climate.

“Because of the war, a potential has been created for us because many foreign investors and local people have left. There is a demand for workers,” he explained.

He estimated that the government could potentially engage 300,000 to 400,000 people in Russia over the next five years.

Regarding the safety concerns, the State Minister was firm that isolated incidents would not lead to a total market closure. “If you have a headache, you don’t cut off your head; that is no solution,” he stated.
He confirmed that the recruiting licences of agencies involved in the war-front scandal have been suspended and legal action is underway.

Moving forward, the Ministry will implement a “fair recruitment system” with rigorous visa verification by the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) and the embassy to ensure workers are strictly on “working visas” and not involved in conflict.

To streamline these efforts, a joint committee between the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been formed to identify specific obstacles and implement solutions.
Joint teams are also expected to visit various countries to scout for new employment opportunities.
The Minister also addressed logistical hurdles, such as the lack of visa centres and consular facilities in certain countries which currently force Bangladeshis to travel via India for processing.

He stressed that the government is working to ensure these services are available directly in Dhaka.
Furthermore, the State Minister called for a more “active role” from Bangladeshi embassies abroad.

“Our embassies play a main role in employment and diplomacy,” he said, noting that increased cooperation between the missions and the ministry is essential to protect workers from scams, such as those recently reported in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

“Every year, an average of one to 1.2 million people goes abroad from Bangladesh,” the Minister concluded, highlighting the role of the Wage Earners’ Welfare Board in supporting and rehabilitating the small percentage who face difficulties.

“Through today’s meeting, our work will become a little easier in the coming days,” he said.