Skilled workers vital for overseas jobs: Minister

 
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has stressed sending skilled workers abroad rather than focusing only on increasing the number of migrant workers.

"If we cannot send skilled workers, there will be no real benefit to the country in sending hundreds of thousands of workers abroad just to increase the number," he said.

The minister made the remarks on Thursday while inaugurating a trolley service for migrant workers at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram and inspecting the Expatriates' Welfare Desk.

He spoke with outgoing migrant workers and asked about their needs and problems at the airport.

Considering their healthcare needs, Ariful Haque directed the airport authorities to set up an emergency medical centre as soon as possible. He said instructions had already been given to identify a suitable location.

He also said the government planned to build a rest house near the airport for migrant passengers affected by flight delays and schedule disruptions.

At a press briefing later, the minister said around 434,000 workers had secured overseas employment in the past seven months despite difficult conditions, including the war in the Middle East.

He expressed hope that overseas labour markets would perform better in the coming days.

Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia proposed strengthening legal assistance for expatriate workers. The minister assured him that effective measures would be taken to ensure legal protection for migrant workers.

Labour and Employment Ministry Secretary Md Abdur Rahman Tarfder and senior officials from the ministry, Chattogram district administration and airport authorities were present.