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Govt to launch automation in migrant workers' recruitment

It'll cut cost, ensure transparency


FE Report | February 28, 2018 12:00:00


The government has planned to introduce automation system in workers' recruitment to help reduce their migration cost as well as to ensure transparency and accountability in the process.

As a part of the move, the government has already introduced immigration clearance through smart card with biometric impression, said Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment (EWOE) Minister Nurul Islam.

He was speaking at the 5th Regional Conference of Alliance of Asian Associations of Overseas Employment Service Providers (OESPAAA) at a city hotel on Tuesday.

The programme was supported by IOM and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

The minister said as the chair of Colombo Process Working Group on Fostering Ethical Recruitment, Bangladesh is leading discussions and actions to promote fair and ethical migration among the member states.

He urged the manpower recruiters to ensure decent practices as well as to provide fair and necessary services to the outbound workers.

Some 24 representatives of the manpower recruiters' associations from 12 countries under the Colombo Process attended the two-day conference.

The countries are - Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

OESPAAA was formed 10 years ago by the manpower recruitment industry leaders of the Colombo Process countries through adopting a 'Commitment to Action on Ethical Recruitment'.

Abdusattor Esoev, deputy chief of mission - IOM Bangladesh, and Benjir Ahmed, president - Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA), among others, were present at the opening session of the conference.

Meanwhile, EWOE Secretary Nomita Halder at a consultation on Tuesday urged the female overseas job seekers to remain well informed about their job and workplace before migration.

She said many female workers do not receive training properly, which makes them vulnerable to exploitation abroad.

Ms Halder was speaking as the chief guest at the consultation meeting on 'Fair Recruitment Process and Migration of Women Garment Workers and Experience Sharing'.

The meeting was organised by Kormojibi Nari at the city's Probashi Kallyan Bhaban.

She also suggested the workers to use the official channels in remitting their hard-earned money, so that they can contribute to the national economy.

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