EU hails Bangladesh’s efforts in tackling irregular migration
The European Union has commended Bangladesh's proactive stance and collaborative efforts in addressing irregular migration, stressing the importance of sustaining the ongoing implementation of the Returnee Case Management System.
Michael Shotter, Director for Migration and Asylum at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, conveyed the message during a meeting with Dr Nazrul Islam, Secretary (Bilateral) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Dhaka on Wednesday, ahead of the 3rd Bangladesh–EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue.
Shotter briefed the Secretary on the outcomes of the 9th Joint Working Group Meeting on Standard Operating Procedures for the Identification and Return of Persons without Authorisation to Stay, and the 3rd Talent Partnership Roundtable, both held on September 9, 2025.
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Welcoming the EU's continued engagement, Dr Islam stressed the importance of regular and skills-based migration as a key pillar of Bangladesh's partnership with the EU. He reiterated Bangladesh's call for expanded legal migration pathways, including through the EU Talent Partnership, as an effective measure to counter irregular flows.
Dr Islam also urged the European Commission to encourage greater participation of EU member states in the scheme. Highlighting that more than half of Bangladesh's population is under 30, he noted the country's potential to be a reliable partner in meeting Europe's evolving labour market needs by supplying skilled and semi-skilled workers through safe and orderly channels.
The Secretary emphasised the importance of training and certification for prospective migrants, citing models from South Korea and Singapore, and proposed EU-funded training initiatives in collaboration with Bangladeshi institutions, such as BMET training centers and Technical Training Centers (TTCs).
He further expressed satisfaction with tangible progress made in negotiations on the Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between Bangladesh and the EU, specifically citing agreements on migration as a central area of cooperation.
Shotter is leading the EU delegation to the 3rd Bangladesh–EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue, taking place in Dhaka from September 8 to 10, 2025.
