The labor market for Bangladeshis is decreasing at an alarming rate. The overseas job market for Bangladeshis is rapidly diminishing. Last year alone, the number of labor markets dropped from ten to six. This year, numerous more marketplaces are under threat of closing. The severe situation, according to migration experts, is due to a lack of precise research. Furthermore, weak efforts to generate qualified labor and a lack of competence in migration diplomacy are viewed as important contributors.
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The labor market for Bangladeshis: The migration industry provides little good news. Over the last five years, 95% of migrants have traveled to just ten nations. By 2024, 90% of Bangladeshi migrants were concentrated in just six nations. This suggests a decrease in the number of destination nations for possible migrants. Female migration has also declined, with barely 54,000 women traveling overseas last year. RMMRU recently conducted a study that emphasized these findings.
Experts believe that the practice of sending personnel to a new market without first assessing demand should be halted.
Dr. Mohammad Jalal Uddin Sikder, Professor at North South University’s Center for Migration Studies, stated, “We have markets in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and even Europe for caregivers and nursing. Can we prepare ourselves for such opportunities? Are our technical and vocational training centers now up to date in terms of international standards? Who is targeting these markets? Indians and Filipinos. They’ve made big expenditures in these areas.
According to migration specialists, Bangladesh’s labor market overseas is mostly dependent on private initiatives. However, a lack of government regulation in this sector has resulted in a variety of irregularities, exacerbating difficulties.
Asif Munier, a migration and refugee affairs expert, stated, “Even in the Middle East, where the majority of our migrants travel, if we do not gradually transition from memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to formal bilateral agreements, the labor market will continue to shrink.”
Experts recommend that the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare provide regular training, with a focus on migration diplomacy. They urge that certain courses, particularly those held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Service Academy, be made mandatory.
They also recommend prioritizing the employment of labor and press officers at embassies in countries where Bangladeshi workers are present, rather than focusing on wealthy nations.
The labor market for Bangladeshis….The labor market for Bangladeshis….
