Govt to provide training, skills development to returnee migrant workers: minister

The government will take steps to send the returnee migrant workers overseas again after providing them with training and helping them developed their skills based on the changing demand in the post-coronavirus international labour market, Expatriates' Welfare Minister Imran Ahmad said today.

These steps will be taken alongside a total of Tk 700 crore loan facility for the returnee migrant workers, he said during an inter-ministerial meeting arranged virtually.

"Priority will be given in future in sending skilled workers to reduce risk in adverse situation," he added.

Expatriates' welfare ministry arranged the meeting on "Doable for expatriate Bangladeshis in emerging coronavirus situation", according to a press release.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen also participated in the meeting.

Chairing the meeting, Minister Imran Ahmad said initiative has been taken for proper certification of migrant workers' training and recognition of their previous skills.

Taking into consideration that demand for workers in the farm and health sectors may increase in post-coronavirus labour market, decision in principle has been taken for providing training to create skilled workers for those two sectors, he said.

He also emphasised on the necessity for creating an integrated database for the returnee migrant workers.

During the meeting, speakers said collective effort will be required from all stakeholders to combat human trafficking.

They stressed for quick disposal of human trafficking cases and enhanced role of law enforcement agencies in this context.

The speakers also stressed the necessity for establishing a dedicated Covid-19 testing centre, especially for departing migrant workers.

Besides, they urged the home ministry to take steps for quick hand-over of migrant workers' passports.

Expatriates' welfare ministry secretary Ahmed Munirus Saleheen moderated the meeting.