The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Manpower export hit an all-time high this year with 425,000 workers so far departing the country for abroad. The departed workers were from among the 630,000 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 384,000.

It 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 Bangladeshi labour and enhancing the capacity of the High Commission by increasing personnel and 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 prepare for filling the gaps in Europe and America made by their aging population."

It said that improvement of workers' skills in English and European languages would be necessary to tap the market and stressed the need for cooperative endeavours of the public and private sectors.