Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury today said the government is committed to ensuring safe and legal migration of Bangladeshi workers abroad and taking strict action against irregular migration.
He made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with European Union (EU) Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Bangladesh Michael Miller at the ministry here.
The minister said a roundtable with migration stakeholders, relevant organisations and journalists would soon be organised to raise awareness about legal migration and prevent irregularities.
He said the licences of 49 recruiting agencies involved in various crimes and irregularities, including irregular migration, have been cancelled.
Several offices of recruiting agencies have also been sealed, while mobile courts will continue taking action against those involved in violations, he added.
During the meeting, Miller said a significant portion of Bangladesh's remittances comes from the European Union.
Referring to the government's target of sending 10 million workers abroad over the next five years, he sought information about the licensing and regulation of recruiting agencies.
The EU envoy expressed interest in strengthening joint efforts to promote ethical and legal migration and reduce the high costs of overseas employment.
He said the EU would work to establish a "Talent Partnership" with Bangladesh and expand legal migration opportunities for Bangladeshi workers.
Miller also stressed the importance of trade union freedom, harmonisation of labour laws, elimination of child labour and regular factory inspections.
Officials from both sides attended the meeting.
