United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday said the government is maintaining diplomatic engagement with countries hosting undocumented Bangladeshi migrants to expand opportunities for their regularisation stressing that the issue ultimately depends on the laws and policies of the respective host states. Responding to a starred question from ruling party lawmaker Md Jahandar Ali Miah (Madaripur-3) in Parliament, he said Bangladeshi expatriates are making an outstanding contribution to national development and remain a key driving force behind the country's economic progress. The Minister said the present government attaches the highest importance to the welfare, rights and dignity of Bangladeshi nationals living overseas. He said Bangladesh continues diplomatic contacts and discussions at various levels with countries where Bangladeshi nationals are residing or working without proper documentation. "Within the framework of the laws and regulations of those countries, we are pursuing diplomatic engagement so that opportunities for regularisation can be expanded for eligible and employed Bangladeshi nationals," he told Parliament. Dr Rahman said Bangladeshi missions abroad are actively providing consular support and facilitating participation in regularisation and amnesty programmes announced by host countries. "Whenever a country announces an amnesty or regularisation programme for irregular migrants, our embassies provide necessary information, guidance and overall assistance to undocumented Bangladeshis residing there," he said. Referring to recent developments in Europe, he said the initiative of Spain to legalise nearly 500,000 undocumented migrants could benefit around 20,000 Bangladeshis. "As you are aware, the Spanish government has undertaken an initiative to grant legal status to approximately 500,000 irregular migrants. As a result, an estimated 20,000 Bangladeshi citizens are expected to gain opportunities for legal residence and employment," he said. However, the Minister emphasised that the regularisation of undocumented migrants remains a sovereign decision of the host country. "The legalisation of irregular migrants residing in a foreign state primarily depends on that country's own laws, policies and decisions. Therefore, despite all efforts and goodwill on the part of the Government of Bangladesh and its embassies, regularisation cannot be guaranteed through unilateral initiatives by Bangladesh alone," he said. "Irregular migration often exposes our citizens to human trafficking, labour exploitation, legal complications and other risks. For this reason, the government gives the highest priority to legal, safe and orderly migration," he said. Dr Rahman said Bangladesh is working to preserve existing labour markets and open new ones through bilateral and multilateral engagements with countries in Europe, East Asia, Africa and South America. He informed the House that memorandums of understanding are currently being processed with Cambodia, Thailand, Malta, Mauritius, Spain, Serbia, Russia, Turkey, Fiji, Albania, Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Discussions are also underway with Guyana regarding the recruitment of healthcare workers, he added. Dr Rahman underscored skills development as the cornerstone of labour market expansion. "The government considers skills development to be the foundation for expanding overseas employment opportunities," he said, adding that special emphasis is being placed on international-standard technical training, language education, skills certification and workforce preparation based on global market demand. He noted that skills development programmes have already begun under the European Union Talent Partnership initiative, while free Japanese language training has been introduced at Technical Training Centres (TTCs) across Bangladesh. The Minister also highlighted a memorandum of understanding signed between Bangladesh and the Philippines on April 1, 2026, covering nursing training and cooperation in the health sector. In addition, he said, Australia has recently launched a six-million-dollar project to enhance the skills of Bangladeshi workers by drawing on Australia's TAFE and TVET experience. "We believe that every Bangladeshi working abroad is a valuable national asset and an important partner in our economic progress. But irregular migration is harmful both to the migrant and to the country's reputation," he said. "To prevent irregular migration from the outset, we are working with the International Organization for Migration and also engaging bilaterally with various countries," he added.  

A group of 145 undocumented Bangladeshi nationals, who wanted to voluntarily return home from Libya, arrived in Dhaka early Thursday. They arrived by a chartered flight of Buraq Air (UZ0222) at 5:30 am following a joint effort by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli, Libya and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Most of them entered Libya facilitated by human traffickers, with the intention of illegally traveling to Europe via the sea route. They were victims of kidnapping and torture at different times in Libya, according to the foreign ministry. The government urged everyone to remain aware of this so that no one goes to Libya illegally. After arrival, the returnees were received by ministry officials and the International Organization for Migration at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. IOM provided each repatriated person from Libya with Tk 6000, and some food items. 23 bodies washed up on Libya's shores believed to be of Bangladeshis: Ambassador They will be provided treatment and temporary accommodation if necessary. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are working together to arrange for the safe repatriation of Bangladeshi citizens detained in various detention centers in Libya. Meanwhile, several batches of undocumented Bangladeshis returned home from the country.

The Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia has announced an extension of the Migrant Repatriation Programme for undocumented Bangladeshi nationals, allowing them to return home under revised provisions set by the Malaysian government. For those who registered online with Malaysian immigration to return home by the December 31, 2024 deadline but were unable to do so for various reasons, the repatriation program has been extended until March 21, 2025, the High Commission said in a notification on Tuesday. Bangladesh seeks balanced trade with Malaysia: Commerce Adviser This extension applies to undocumented Bangladeshi migrants, alongside those from other relevant countries. Previously, undocumented Bangladeshi migrants were required to pay fines to Malaysian immigration authorities based on the length of their stay in the country before availing the opportunity to return home. Under a decision by the Malaysian government, from March 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, irregular migrants were allowed to return by paying a maximum fine of 500 Malaysian Ringgit, irrespective of their duration of stay.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said Bangladesh will extend its highest possible support to the Maldives in fighting the adverse impacts of global warming.