A Surge in Overseas Employment: Unlocking Opportunities Abroad
The latest data reveals a remarkable 28% increase in overseas employment from Bangladesh in November, a sign of progress amidst challenges. While this growth is encouraging, it's important to note that the figure is still 3% lower compared to the same period last year. So, what's driving this upward trend, and why is it a cause for both celebration and further exploration?
The Saudi Factor: Clearing the Backlog
At the heart of this story is Saudi Arabia, the largest destination for Bangladeshi workers. The recent implementation of the Saudi Skill Verification Program (SVP), or Takamul, initially slowed recruitment due to its mandatory skills certification requirements for low-skilled workers. However, the situation is now improving, with recruiters attributing the growth to the gradual clearance of the backlog of applications affected by SVP.
Shamim Hossain Chowdhury, a prominent figure in the recruitment industry, explains, "BMET is ramping up its capacity to conduct tests under Takamul, which is why the backlog is being addressed." This indicates a proactive approach to overcome the initial hurdles posed by the certification process.
A Temporary Relief, but Challenges Persist
While the SVP has been temporarily relaxed for certain categories like cleaners, following requests from Bangladesh, the country still hosts over 3.2 million Bangladeshi workers, most of whom are in low-skilled jobs. Over 80% of these workers are employed in sectors like cleaning, construction, and domestic work, earning around Tk30,000 per month.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges and the need for continued efforts to ensure a steady flow of opportunities for Bangladeshi workers abroad.
Recruitment in Other Destinations: A Mixed Bag
The picture is less rosy in other major destinations. Recruitment in Qatar, Singapore, the Maldives, and Kuwait remains relatively low, ranging from 2,996 to 9,160 workers in November. Traditional markets like Malaysia, Oman, and Bahrain continue to see limited migration.
However, there are bright spots. Before the pandemic, Bangladesh sent 60,000–70,000 workers per month, and this figure has now risen to nearly 100,000 per month. European destinations like Portugal and Italy have also shown interest, recruiting over 700 workers each last month.
Remittances: A Silver Lining
The good news extends to remittances, with expatriates sending $2.89 billion in November, a significant 31.37% increase from the same month last year. Bangladesh Bank attributes this rise to a decline in hundi operations and a more stable dollar rate.
Bank officials note that the gap between open market and banking channel rates has narrowed significantly since the change in government, providing a more favorable environment for remittances.
Conclusion: A Complex Landscape
In conclusion, while the rise in overseas employment is a positive development, it's clear that the journey is far from over. The challenges posed by skills certification requirements and the varying recruitment trends in different destinations highlight the need for a nuanced understanding of this complex landscape.
And here's where it gets interesting: What are your thoughts on the role of skills certification in overseas employment? Do you think it's a necessary hurdle, or an unnecessary barrier? We'd love to hear your insights in the comments below!
