ILO helps migrant Bangladeshi workers
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has started working on a Tk 28 crore project to create suitable jobs and security for Bangladeshi workers abroad.
This practice will help expatriate Bangladeshis in availing their rights, security and safe employment in foreign countries, Hazrat Ali, project coordinator and additional secretary of expatriate welfare ministry, told BSS.
The project titled 'Promoting Decent Work Through Improved Migration Policy and Its Application in Bangladesh' was formally launched on July 5 following approval by the planning ministry.
During the project launch, an action plan was presented at a meeting of the project steering committee with Zafar Ahmed Khan, expatriate welfare secretary, in chair.
Representatives from ILO, UN Women, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Swiss Agency for Development and Corporation (SDC) and local agencies concerned attended the meeting.
The project coordinator said ILO, SDC, IOM and UN Women will jointly implement the project in fiscal 2012-13. The expatriate welfare ministry and concerned local agencies will extend all cooperation.
As per the action plan, the project will help amend the Migration Policy-2006, finalise the Overseas Employment Act and research on migration.
The overall objective of the project is to contribute to sustainable economic and social development by creating suitable job opportunities for expatriate workers and ensuring security for them and their families.
The project includes a programme to explore overseas job opportunities for women by analysing job markets. There is also a motivational programme, under which television programmes would be made.
Creating awareness among the migrants, furnishing them with relevant information and ensuring security and social support are parts of the project.
It will assist the migrants and their families through reintegration system after their return home.
Hazrat Ali said under the project, a database would be made for workers who returned home from abroad. Those who would seek new jobs would be asked to apply.
Following the formation of proper policy and efficient management, the cost of migration will be reduced and scopes will be created for exporting more manpower.
Bangladesh received US$ 12 billion from expatriate workers in 2011, which is three times higher than the earning from the garment sector, the main export earner.
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