New ILO project to support sustainable reintegration of returnee migrant workers

Amid the post-COVID landscape, Bangladesh emerged as the leading migrant worker sending country in Asia in 2021 and 2022, with over one million overseas deployments in 2022 alone.

The Governments of Bangladesh and Switzerland, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), have initiated a new project aimed at facilitating the sustainable reintegration of returnee migrant workers. This endeavor builds upon an enduring partnership and underscores the commitment to establish a gender-responsive and inclusive policy framework ensuring the seamless reintegration of migrant workers back into society.

Signed in December 2023, the project seeks to bolster the reintegration of returnee migrant workers through the establishment of robust institutional mechanisms and effective coordination channels. These mechanisms will provide essential employment and business development support services to returning workers, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to Bangladesh's growth and development.

Md. Saiful Haque Chowdhury, the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, emphasized the project's significant contribution towards enhancing capacity and fostering systems of inclusive and sustainable reintegration.

State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Shofiqur Rahman Choudhury, lauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visionary leadership for the welfare and protection of migrant workers. He expressed gratitude to the ILO and Switzerland for their collaborative efforts, which aim to engage diverse stakeholders in achieving the project's objectives.

The project, titled "Reintegration for Migrant Workers Project: Enhancing Policies, Capacities and Systems for Inclusive and Sustainable Reintegration," will also involve partnerships with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UN Women, and the Parliamentary Caucus on Migration and Development.

Corinne Henchoz Pignani, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Switzerland, highlighted Switzerland's longstanding partnership with Bangladesh in shaping the country's labor migration policy architecture.

Tuomo Poutiainen, ILO Country Director, expressed optimism about the project's potential to strengthen policy frameworks and institutional capacities for improved governance. He emphasized the importance of providing social protection for migrants and leveraging their skills and experiences to bolster Bangladesh's economy.

Tripartism was hailed as a key driver of inclusiveness by Tanvir Shakil Joy, Chairperson of the Parliamentarians’ Caucus on Migration and Development. He commended the ILO's tripartite approach for incorporating diverse voices and grassroots experiences into national policies.

Md Ruhul Amin, Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, underscored the project's focus on sustainability, incorporating lessons learned from previous initiatives.

Amid the post-COVID landscape, Bangladesh emerged as the leading migrant worker sending country in Asia in 2021 and 2022, with over one million overseas deployments in 2022 alone. Migrant remittances constitute a substantial portion of the country’s export earnings, second only to the readymade garment (RMG) sector.

Through this collaborative project, returnee migrant workers in Bangladesh will be empowered to leverage their acquired knowledge, skills, resources, networks, and capacities to contribute positively to the country's development.