Bangladesh wants to increase cooperation with EU on legal migration and recruitment of skilled workers

On Monday, a high-level delegation led by Brunner met at the Home Minister's office at the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Secretariat. At the meeting, the Home Minister said the government is following a ‘zero tolerance’ policy on illegal migration. Bangladesh wants to increase opportunities to send legal and skilled Bangladeshi workers to the European labor market by stopping human trafficking through risky routes.

The meeting also discussed providing international-standard training and certification to Bangladeshi workers under the ‘Talent Partnership’ project. The Home Minister said that, to remove complications related to European certification for nearly 750 trained skilled workers, EU member countries have been urged to send training experts to Bangladesh to provide training and certification. He said the delegation responded positively on the matter.

The Home Minister also said there are plans to launch the ‘Advanced Passenger Information and Border Management System’ by the end of this year to monitor passengers and identify criminals at the country's airports, seaports and land ports. It will be linked to Interpol's database. Discussions were also held on establishing institutional arrangements with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex (FRONTEX).

Regarding the Rohingya crisis, Salahuddin Ahmed said the crisis is now also a cause of concern for regional and global security. He sought EU cooperation in creating international pressure on the Myanmar authorities and the Arakan Army to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar. It was said that the delegation assured of joint diplomatic efforts on the matter.

EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner said preventing human trafficking and closing off illegal migration routes are priorities for both sides. He also noted that if illegal migration decreases, it will be easier for Bangladeshi workers to enter the European labor market through legal channels.

EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, Director Henrik Nielsen, Cabinet Member Grigorios Delavekouras, Deputy Head of Mission Baiba Zarinas and other members of the delegation were present at the meeting. In addition, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed and senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs took part in the meeting.