Govt Forms Panel to Improve Expatriate Services

The government has formed an inter-ministerial committee to strengthen coordination among ministries, divisions, departments and agencies to improve services for Bangladeshi expatriates.

According to a gazette notification, the committee will work to promote legal migration, expand overseas employment opportunities, identify challenges in the migration process, protect the welfare and rights of migrant workers abroad, and ensure they receive hassle-free and dignified services.

The committee has also been tasked with simplifying and expanding expatriate-friendly services at airports and other public service points. It will review shortcomings in the existing service delivery system and recommend measures to improve efficiency and accessibility.

The Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment will chair the committee, while the State Minister and Adviser to the ministry will serve as vice-chairmen.

Members include the secretaries of the Ministries of Home Affairs, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Civil Aviation and Tourism, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Health Services Division, and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.

The committee also includes the chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), the director general of the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET), and the director general of the Wage Earners' Welfare Board.

The head of the Administration and Finance Wing of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment will serve as the committee's member secretary.