Efforts underway to reduce migration costs for outbound workers: Asif Nazrul
Highlighting the government’s measures, Dr Nazrul said that all efforts were being made to eliminate harassment and open new opportunities for sending skilled workers to European countries
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Asif Nazrul today (18 December) said the government is working to reduce migration costs for outbound workers.
"Reducing migration costs remains the primary challenge in ensuring employment abroad. We are working to address this issue. While some recruitment agencies perform well, many focus on exploiting more people," he said during a discussion marking International Migrants Day, held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka today.
The Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment organised the event.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Highlighting the initiatives to cut migration expenses, Asif Nazrul said, "We are in a situation where the supply of workers exceeds demand, which increases costs. We are trying to determine the roles and responsibilities of sub-agents."
Addressing the shortage of skilled workers, he noted that while the challenge cannot be solved quickly, various initiatives are being implemented to address it.
Highlighting the government's measures, Dr Nazrul said that all efforts were being made to eliminate harassment and open new opportunities for sending skilled workers to European countries.
"We are working to address integration challenges and ensure that expatriates receive the respect and support they deserve," he added.
"We are committed to assisting in securing voting rights for our expatriates. While the matter primarily falls under the Election Commission's jurisdiction, our ministry will do everything in its power to support this cause," Asif Nazrul said.
The adviser also mentioned a remarkable 26% increase in remittance inflows during August to November under the interim government, compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year (2023-24) under the Hasina administration.
He credited this growth to targeted initiatives to resolve expatriates' challenges and foster confidence among overseas workers.
Recalling their significant contributions during the anti-discrimination student movement, Asif Nazrul lauded expatriates for their sacrifices, noting, "They made the impossible possible and stood by the nation during critical times, even enduring imprisonment for their efforts."
