Bangladesh keen to work with UK to curb irregular migration

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has emphasised the need to work jointly with the United Kingdom to create skilled and quality human resources, ensure safe and quality employment, and protect the rights, dignity and overall welfare of migrant workers, reports state news agency BSS.

He made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke at his office Monday, said a press release.

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment State Minister Md Nurul Haque and Ministry Secretary Md. Mokhtar Ahmed were present at the meeting.

The minister expressed the expectation of UK assistance in English language, technical and vocational training to develop skilled and internationally competitive manpower in line with the demands of the UK labour market.

Ariful Haque Chowdhury also emphasised maintaining the continuity of sustainable rehabilitation and social reintegration of returnee migrant workers through the ongoing 'RISE' project, implemented in partnership with FCDO, ILO and the World Bank.

During the meeting, State Minister Md. Nurul Haque said training centres in the country could be connected with various UK institutions to create skilled and internationally competitive manpower in line with the demands of the European labour market.

British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke expressed interest in working jointly with the Bangladesh government to create skilled manpower in Bangladesh according to the demands of the international labour market.

She highlighted the UK’s concerns regarding safe, regular and cost-effective labour migration from Bangladesh and informed the meeting about efforts to strengthen cooperation to improve the migration system.