Only 500-600 recruiting agencies may qualify after licence review: State Minister Nur

State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur has said the government is planning a comprehensive review of recruiting agency licences as only 500 to 600 of nearly 3,000 agencies may meet the standard criteria in the country.

"We currently have around 3,000 recruiting licences. If proper evaluation is conducted, perhaps no more than 500 to 600 agencies will qualify," he said while addressing as the chief guest an event, "From Return to Rise: Stories of Resilience and Reintegration" under the Prottasha II project organised by BRAC and the European Union at a city hotel today (14 May). 

The government is taking a tougher stance against human trafficking and irregular migration and the move is part of a broader effort to curb human trafficking and irregular migration, he said. 

Nur alleged that many agencies secured licences through political influence and recommendations, but later became involved in fraudulent practices that exposed migrant workers to serious risks abroad.

The state minister said agencies with proven records of ethical recruitment and safe overseas employment would be encouraged, while those found involved in trafficking and exploitation would face strict punitive action.

Highlighting concerns over irregular migration routes, particularly to Europe via Libya, Nur said many Bangladeshis spend between Tk10 lakh and Tk15 lakh travelling on tourist visas through multiple countries before ending up in Libya.

There, they often face inhumane conditions, including food shortages, torture and perilous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea, he added.

Such incidents, he warned, are harming Bangladesh's international image and creating diplomatic pressure from destination countries, including Italy.

The state minister also underscored the economic importance of migrant workers, noting that Bangladeshi expatriates send home an estimated $30-35 billion in remittances annually, a key pillar of the national economy.

At the same time, he acknowledged that many returnee migrants face psychological trauma and financial hardship.

Nur said the government is considering increasing funding for rehabilitation programmes, which have already supported around 53,000 people under his ministry.

He called for coordinated efforts involving international organisations such as the International Organization for Migration and the International Labour Organization, along with civil society groups, travel agencies and law enforcement bodies, to ensure safe and regular migration.

The event highlighted the nationwide achievements and experiences of the project funded by the European Union and co-financed and implemented by BRAC. 

Returnee migrants, including Selina Begum and Sohel Rana, shared their personal experiences of rebuilding their lives after returning home.

Presiding over the event, BRAC Chairperson Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman said coordinated efforts by both government and non-government organisations are essential to ensure safe migration and the welfare of returnee migrants, as the challenges are multidimensional.

He added that the government could benefit from BRAC's experience in this area.

Special guests at the event included Dr Nazneen Kawsar Chowdhury, executive chairman of the National Skills Development Authority, and Md Mokhter Ahmed, secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment.

Shariful Islam Hasan, associate director of BRAC, presented the keynote paper at the event. 

Representatives from various local and international organisations spoke at the event as well.