State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today reaffirmed the government's priority to transform Bangladesh's migration sector into a skills-based, rights-based, and well-governed system, while seeking enhanced cooperation from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Commitment to Skills-Based Migration
During a meeting with the newly-appointed Chief of Mission of the IOM in Bangladesh, Dr. Laura Nicole Tomm-Bonde, Shama emphasized the government's commitment to implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). She highlighted the importance of skills development, recognition of qualifications, ethical recruitment, protection of migrant workers, expansion of regular labour mobility pathways, and sustainable reintegration of returnee migrants.
Enhanced Cooperation with IOM
Shama appreciated IOM's continued technical assistance and cooperation in strengthening Bangladesh's migration governance framework. She called for enhanced support from the organization to advance the government's migration priorities. Dr. Tomm-Bonde praised Bangladesh's leadership in migration governance and reaffirmed IOM's commitment to further strengthening cooperation in line with the government's vision, priorities, and commitments.
Significance and Future Prospects
Both sides expressed hope that the Bangladesh-IOM partnership would be further deepened to promote effective migration governance in the country. This collaboration is crucial for ensuring safer, more orderly, and sustainable labour migration, which is vital for Bangladesh's economic development and the well-being of its migrant workers.
Why This Matters
The transformation of Bangladesh's migration sector into a skills-based, rights-based, and well-governed system is essential for protecting the rights and welfare of migrant workers. It also plays a significant role in the country's economic growth, as remittances from migrant workers are a major source of foreign exchange earnings. Enhanced cooperation with IOM will help Bangladesh achieve these goals more effectively.
