Asif Urges Qatar to Provide Insurance for BD Workers' Deaths

Asif Nazrul, adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, called on Qatar to offer comprehensive insurance for the natural deaths of Bangladeshi workers and provide financial support for workers involved in legal disputes. Nazrul made this appeal during a meeting with Qatari Labour Minister Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri on the sidelines of the Global Labour Market Conference in Riyadh on January 29.

Nazrul also encouraged Qatar to expand the recruitment of skilled Bangladeshi professionals in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and renewable energy to help advance Qatar's Vision 2030. He further urged the reduction of migration costs and the implementation of a more transparent recruitment process.

Acknowledging Qatar's ongoing support for Bangladeshi workers, Nazrul expressed appreciation for their significant contributions to major infrastructure projects, including the FIFA World Cup 2022, and welcomed Qatar's recent labour reforms. He also suggested the establishment of skill-specific training centers in Bangladesh to enhance the labour ecosystem.

In addition, Nazrul proposed holding the 7th Joint Committee Meeting in Doha in early 2025 to strengthen cooperation under the 1988 bilateral labour agreement.

The Qatari labour minister expressed appreciation for the efforts of Bangladeshi workers and assured that his ministry would carefully review Nazrul's proposals.

At the conference in Riyadh, Nazrul reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to improving youth employability and fostering international labour cooperation. He highlighted Bangladesh's successful Skills for Employment Investment Program (SEIP), which has trained over 200,000 youth in sectors like IT, healthcare, and manufacturing, with 70% of graduates securing jobs within six months.

Nazrul emphasized the importance of digital job-matching platforms and AI-driven employment solutions, noting that Bangladesh is the world’s second-largest supplier of online freelancers, generating over $500 million annually.

Reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to sustainable employment opportunities and improving the well-being of its overseas workforce, Nazrul expressed hope for deepening international partnerships.

The Global Labour Market Conference, which brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts from over 100 countries, serves as a vital platform for tackling challenges and shaping the future of the global labour market.