Shama calls for stronger IOM cooperation to expand legal migration pathways

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday called for stronger cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to expand regular migration pathways, strengthen migrant protection and equip Bangladeshi workers with skills aligned to evolving global labour market demands.

She made the call when IOM Deputy Director General for Operations Ugochi Daniels paid a courtesy call on her at the foreign ministry in Dhaka, according to a foreign ministry press release.

Daniels was accompanied by IOM Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Iori Kato and Special Adviser Priya Marwah. Senior foreign ministry officials also attended the meeting.

The state minister appreciated IOM's longstanding partnership with Bangladesh in promoting safe, orderly and regular migration, as well as its support for the country's development and humanitarian priorities.

Reaffirming Bangladesh's commitment as a Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) Champion Country, she expressed hope that the GCM National Action Plan would provide a coordinated and action-oriented framework for implementing the Compact's objectives.

Shama underscored the need to expand legal migration opportunities, prevent irregular migration, promote ethical recruitment and improve the skills of prospective migrant workers in line with changing international labour market requirements.

She also sought IOM's support in matching Bangladesh's skilled workforce with global demand by promoting talent mobility and facilitating talent partnerships with destination countries, particularly in the healthcare, caregiving and agriculture sectors.

Highlighting the importance of protecting migrant workers' rights and welfare, especially those of women, the state minister called for greater awareness initiatives and stronger support services.

She thanked IOM for assisting in the evacuation and repatriation of stranded Bangladeshi nationals from crisis-affected countries and sought continued cooperation on safe return, sustainable reintegration, climate-related mobility, and efforts to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

Shama also appreciated IOM's humanitarian assistance for the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals and urged the international community to create conditions conducive to their safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.

Daniels commended Bangladesh's efforts to establish sustainable migration governance and praised the country's leadership in promoting safe, orderly and regular migration globally.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Bangladesh-IOM cooperation to advance safe, orderly and regular migration, protect migrants' rights and support the country's migration and humanitarian priorities.