Govt aims to turn brain drain into brain circulation: Mahdi Amin

Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin has said that the government aims to transform the country’s long-standing “brain drain” into “brain circulation” by utilising the skills and expertise of expatriate Bangladeshis.

“We want to ensure that expatriates living in different countries can play a more active role. We aim to transform the historical brain drain into brain circulation, where overseas Bangladeshis contribute directly to national development,” he said.

He made the remarks on Saturday while speaking at a conference titled “Trade, Economic Growth and Economic Diplomacy Action Plan” held at a city hotel.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

Mahdi Amin, who also serves as a spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said the government’s focus had initially been on blue-collar employment abroad but future plans include expanding opportunities for white-collar professionals as well.

He added that expatriates would be encouraged to return, invest in Bangladesh, and transfer their knowledge, experience and technological expertise into the country’s economic ecosystem.

 “If we can support them with the right policies and tools, it will help realise Bangladesh’s global aspirations,” he said.

Referring to the history of overseas employment from Bangladesh, Mahdi Amin said labour migration began during the tenure of former President Ziaur Rahman, while the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment was established under former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

He further said that structured migration, skill development and market diversification are central to the government’s vision. According to him, future migration policy will focus on reducing intermediaries, ensuring transparency and expanding destination countries.

The adviser said the government also aims to increase skilled migration and promote greater female participation in overseas employment, noting that women currently account for around 5% to 7% of annual migrant workers.

He stressed the need for diversifying labour markets, occupations and demographic participation, adding that a proposed “Expatriate Card” system would help track Bangladeshis working abroad under a structured framework.

Under the proposed system, the location of expatriates abroad could be identified and managed within a government database, he said. 

He said the government is also working to simplify visa application procedures, including the introduction of verifiable QR-coded financial and educational documents.

Mahdi Amin said a new programme has already been introduced allowing students to receive loans of up to Tk10 lakh for short-term courses or third-language studies abroad.

He added that demand assessments are being conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to align skills training with global labour market needs.

Describing migration as part of a broader ecosystem, he said Bangladesh must work closely with destination countries to ensure safe, transparent and well-managed labour mobility.