Expatriates' Welfare minister calls for steps to reopen closed overseas labour markets
At present, Malaysia, Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates remain closed to low-skilled Bangladeshi workers
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque has directed ministry officials to take necessary initiatives to reopen overseas labour markets that are currently closed to Bangladeshi workers.
He issued the instruction during an introductory meeting with officials at the Probashi Kalyan Bhaban in the capital today (19 February), marking his first formal interaction with ministry staff after assuming office.
At present, Malaysia, Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates remain closed to low-skilled Bangladeshi workers.
The minister said the government would pursue a zero-tolerance policy against individuals involved in irregularities and malpractice affecting migrant workers.
"We will not spare anyone found exploiting expatriate workers," he said, stressing the need to ensure transparency and accountability in all overseas employment-related activities.
State Minister Nurul Haque Nur and Senior Secretary Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan, among other senior officials of the ministry, were present at the meeting.
