Dhaka –  The Government of Bangladesh has approved a 3-year project of IOM, the UN Migration Agency, at the Economic Relations Division to facilitate sustainable reintegration of returnee migrants from Europe and improve the overall migration governance space in the country. During the event, both parties recognized migration as one of key forces of economic growth.

“This is a challenging initiative. There is a need to work very closely with the local actors such as the local administration, elites and implementing partners to realize the outcomes,” said Additional Secretary of the Economic Relations Division, Dr. Kazi Anowarul Hoque.

The Bangladesh labor market can provide only about 200,000 new formal sector jobs a year, while there are about 1.8 million new labor market entries per year. This massive labor market gap has led to large scale migration over the years, often working as a push factor for irregular migration. Several European countries such as Greece and Italy continue to remain preferred destinations for migrants taking irregular pathways. While data on forced migration in Europe has been limited, a significant number of migrants are believed to be overstaying.

“IOM will work closely with the Bangladesh Government and European Union to create opportunities for returning migrants to have a dignified social and economic life upon their return,” said Acting Chief of IOM Bangladesh, Abdusattor Esoev.

The Government has taken several steps to ease and simplify regular and authorized channel of migration over time. Legal instruments like the ‘Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act, 2012’, and the Overseas Employment and Migrants Act, 2013 are some of the primary supporting mechanisms the government has developed in this space. The 3-year project, funded by the European Union, will work to make these existing mechanisms more effective. The project’s holistic approach will contribute to the nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“We welcome the Government’s progressive approach,” said the Programme Manager, Sharon Dimanche of the UN Migration Agency. “One of our major objectives will be to work closely with the Government to enhance the capacity of different bodies that facilitate safe and orderly migration management systems in Bangladesh.”

For more information, please contact: Chowdhury Asif Mahmud Bin Harun, mbinharun@iom.int