12 December 2022, Dhaka – Through a cooperation project, the Government of Italy has reiterated its support to the Government of Bangladesh to strengthen migration management with particular focus on promoting safe migration and addressing adverse drivers of migration. The contribution also recognizes the need to support vulnerable returnees to reintegrate into their communities. The contribution will support a project implemented by International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Bangladesh. 

To recognize the cooperation of Government of Italy, on 12th December 2022 a joint event to brief the press was organized at the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment (MoEWOE). The event brought together high-level representatives from MoEWOE, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the Embassy of Italy and IOM.

Bangladesh has been in the forefront of advocating for safe and regular migration for decades. Speaking at the event, H.E. Imran Ahmad, MP, Minister, MoEWOE, noted that the ministry welcomes all partners eager to support facilitating safe, orderly, regular and responsible migration including reintegration and welfare services to the migrants and returnees in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The Honorable Minister emphasized and called upon all stakeholders including media to take a collective approach to ensure safe, orderly and regular migration.

Ambassador H.E. Enrico Nunizata, speaking at the event stated that the Government of Italy is pleased to support migration management and reintegration programming in Bangladesh. The contribution amounting to USD 3 million will focus on ensuring safe migration through information dissemination, reintegration assistance for those who return to Bangladesh under the EU-supported Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) programme, and climate change affected communities by addressing their socio-economic needs. The Ambassador expressed his hope that this intervention is the beginning of longer-term cooperation with the Government of Bangladesh on migration programming. 

Secretary of MoEWOE, Dr. Ahmed Munirus Saleheen stated that the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) is committed to implementing and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including target 10.7 on the facilitation of safe, orderly and responsible migration. The GoB has identified migration as a key driver of development in the country and has taken steps to facilitate safe and regular migration. 

Mr. Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury, Secretary (West), MoFA, noted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ appreciation of the Government of Italy’s support for this project which targets assistance to some of the most vulnerable migrants, returnees and those affected by the impacts of climate change.  

At the event, IOM Bangladesh’s Chief of Mission, Mr. Abdusattor Esoev, reiterated the importance of improved migration management and adopting a holistic approach across the entire migration cycle. Mr. Esoev noted the importance of giving states space and flexibility in designing migration-related interventions based on their own realities and capacities in order to enhance quality migration. 

For further inquiries, please contact Sariful Islam at IOM Bangladesh via email: mdsislam@iom.int, Phone: 01915631608