The government is focusing on sending skilled manpower to Europe, Japan, and Korea in a bid to expand Bangladesh’s presence in the global labour market.

Asif Nazrul, adviser to the Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment, said this while addressing a press conference at the ministry office in Dhaka on Wednesday.

“Without relying solely on the Middle East market, we have reached agreements with several countries, including Japan, Korea, and nations in Europe, to send our skilled manpower,” he said while sharing the progress of activities of the ministry during his last one year role.

Bangladesh has long been dependent on unskilled manpower in the Middle East and Malaysian markets, he said, adding that the unskilled workers go there hoping for a high salary in exchange for huge money, but return home empty-handed after being deceived.

Regarding the agreements, he said contracts have been signed with Oman in the Middle East and with Serbia, Italy, Spain, Austria, and Malta in Europe.

In addition, initiatives have been taken to send new workers to Mauritius and Iraq and beyond this, an agreement has been made with a province in South Korea to send seasonal workers, said Asif Nazrul, who is also adviser to the law ministry.