Shama stresses skills-based migration, seeks IOM cooperation

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday reaffirmed the government's priority to transform Bangladesh's migration sector into a skills-based, rights-based and well-governed system, while seeking enhanced cooperation from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

She made the remarks when the newly-appointed Chief of Mission of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Bangladesh, Dr Laura Nicole Tomm-Bonde, paid a courtesy call on her at the foreign ministry, according to a social media post.

During the meeting, the state minister reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment as a Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) champion country.

She said the government is prioritising the transformation of the country's migration sector into a skills-based, rights-based and well-governed system to ensure safer, more orderly and sustainable labour migration.

Shama also underscored the government's strong emphasis on skills development, recognition of qualifications, ethical recruitment, protection of migrant workers in destination countries, expansion of regular labour mobility pathways and sustainable reintegration of returnee migrants.

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She appreciated IOM's continued technical assistance and cooperation in strengthening Bangladesh's migration governance framework and called for enhanced support from the organisation to advance the government's migration priorities.

Tomm-Bonde praised Bangladesh's leadership in migration governance and reaffirmed IOM's commitment to further strengthening cooperation in line with the government's vision, priorities and commitments.

Both sides expressed hope that the Bangladesh-IOM partnership would be further deepened to promote effective migration governance in the country.