Send able officers abroad to serve migrants better

Former officials of the expatriate welfare ministry's labour wing yesterday recommended appointing experienced, skilled and devoted officials to foreign missions to better serve and protect rights of nationals working there.

They must have concrete information about the respective labour market and specific ideas about the economy, society and politics, they added.

The 15 officials who served in migrant receiving countries including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Libya, Malaysia and Singapore were sharing their experience at a programne organised by the ministry in the capital's Probashi Kalyan Bhaban.

They suggested introducing periodical performance evaluation, awards for outstanding services, punitive measures for lapses and six-month's attachment with the ministry to gather experience.

"...the officials will remain alert...workers will get better services," said one. The officials included Kazi Kalam, Imdadul Hauque (Saudi Arabia) and Mantu Kumar Biswas (Malaysia).

Minister Nurul Islam said the officials must play a significant role in creating a demand for job and have an "important role in protecting the rights".

Acting Secretary Begum Shamsun Nahar and Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training Director General Selim Reza also spoke and Joint Secretary (mission and welfare) Azharul Haque gave the introductory speech.