Foreign Job Market Shrinks for Bangladeshi Workers

News Desk

The foreign job market for Bangladeshi workers is narrowing, with the number of active destinations dropping from 10 countries last year to six in 2024. Experts warn that additional markets may close this year.

Analysts attribute the decline to a lack of targeted research, insufficient efforts to develop skilled manpower, and weaknesses in migration diplomacy.

Statistics show that 95% of Bangladeshi migrants over the past five years have worked in just 10 countries. In 2024, that number has further reduced to six. Female migration has also decreased, with only 54,000 women securing jobs abroad last year, according to research by the Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU).

Experts emphasize the need for accurate assessments of demand in new labor markets.

Dr. Mohammad Jalal Uddin Shikder of North South University’s Center for Migration Studies pointed to opportunities in caregiving and nursing in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Europe. He questioned whether Bangladesh is ready to meet these demands and whether its technical and vocational training centers meet international standards. Competitors such as India and the Philippines are capitalizing on these markets with higher investments in workforce development.

Lack of Government Oversight Increases Challenges

Migration experts credit private initiatives for maintaining Bangladesh’s presence in the global labor market. However, weak government oversight has led to irregularities and hardships for workers.

Migration specialist Asif Munir suggested that bilateral agreements with Middle Eastern countries, instead of memorandums of understanding, could reduce the risk of market shrinkage. He recommended regular training programs under the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and mandatory migration diplomacy training for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Experts also underscored the importance of assigning labor and press officers to embassies in countries where most Bangladeshi workers are employed.