Manpower export hit all-time high this year

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Manpower export hit an all-time high this year with 4,25,000 workers so far departing the country for abroad, reports UNB.
The departed workers were from among the 6,30,000 who have so far been cleared for immigration, the Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry said in a statement Thursday.
"Many more are expected to leave over the remaining months of the year," the statement said. "This is an all-time record."
The ministry said, the number of departed workers last year was 3,84,000.
It also said the ministry found problems in Malaysia, but the government has initiated a series of measures, including cancellation of licenses, and supervision of responsible recruiting agencies.
Other measures included appointment of lawyers to protect the rights of the Bangladeshi workers, and enhancing the capacity of the High Commission by increasing personnel as well as making changes.
"The restriction imposed recently by the Malaysian authorities is purely temporary, and provides both side time to take measures to improve the situation," said the statement, adding that despite the restrictions the flow still continued.
About Korean labour market, it said, Bangladesh and South Korea are expected to sign an implementation agreement soon for administration of Korean language tests. With regard to Canada, a process of recruiting 1,133 workers is underway.
The ministry said, the government is looking for new labour markets in other countries like Rumania, Poland, Nigeria, Angola and the Russian Federation.
"The ministry will soon initiate an integrated policy whereby we will be prepared for filling the gaps in Europe and America, made by their aging population."
It said, improvement of the workers' skills in English and European languages would be necessary to tap the market, and stressed the need for cooperative endeavour of the public and the private sectors.