Summary:
- Bangladesh proposes comprehensive insurance for migrant workers’ natural deaths & legal support in Qatar during high-level Riyadh talks.
- Urges expanded recruitment of skilled professionals in healthcare, tech & renewable energy sectors to support Qatar’s Vision 2030.
- Highlights success of Skills for Employment Program training 200,000+ youth with 70% job placement within 6 months.
- Both nations agree to hold 7th Joint Committee Meeting in Doha by early 2025 to strengthen 1988 labor agreement.
Bangladesh has proposed enhanced worker protections and expanded skilled labor cooperation during high-level talks with Qatari officials at the Global Labour Market Conference in Riyadh. Law and Expatriates’ Welfare Adviser Asif Nazrul presented a five-point plan to strengthen bilateral labor relations while addressing current workforce challenges.
Key proposals include comprehensive insurance coverage for Bangladeshi workers experiencing natural deaths in Qatar and financial support for those entangled in legal disputes. Nazrul emphasized reducing migration costs and implementing transparent recruitment processes to combat worker exploitation, while urging expanded hiring of Bangladeshi professionals in healthcare, technology, and renewable energy sectors to support Qatar’s Vision 2030.
Qatari Labour Minister Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri acknowledged Bangladesh’s critical role in completing major infrastructure projects, including FIFA World Cup 2022 facilities, stating: “Our partnership with Bangladeshi workers remains vital to Qatar’s development goals.” He committed to reviewing the proposals through established diplomatic channels.
The bilateral discussions coincided with Bangladesh’s showcase of its Skills for Employment Investment Program (SEIP) at the conference, which has trained 200,000 youth in market-relevant skills since 2014. With 70% of graduates securing employment within six months, the program demonstrates successful public-private workforce development partnerships.
Nazrul outlined Bangladesh’s digital employment strategy, noting the country ranks as the world’s second-largest supplier of online freelancers, generating $500 million annually through digital platforms. Plans include AI-enhanced job matching systems and specialized training centers to prepare workers for Qatar’s evolving labor market needs.
Both nations agreed to convene their 7th Joint Committee Meeting in Doha during early 2025, reactivating cooperation mechanisms under the 1988 labor agreement. The Riyadh conference brought together labor experts from 100+ countries to address global workforce challenges, with Bangladesh positioning itself as a key partner in sustainable labor migration and skills development initiatives.
Source: TBS News
