# Shama Advocates for Skills-Based Migration, Calls for Stronger IOM Collaboration

*State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam reaffirmed the government's commitment to transforming Bangladesh's migration sector into a skills-based, rights-based, and well-governed system, seeking enhanced cooperation from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).*

July 6, 2026 · Bangladesh

## At a glance

- State Minister Shama reaffirmed commitment to skills-based migration.
- Seeks enhanced cooperation from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
- Emphasizes skills development, ethical recruitment, and protection of migrant workers.
- IOM Chief Dr. Laura Nicole Tomm-Bonde praised Bangladesh's migration governance.
- Both sides hope to deepen Bangladesh-IOM partnership for effective migration governance.

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.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/bangladesh/shama-stresses-skills-based-migration-seeks-iom-cooperation