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Bangladesh, Singapore Discuss Worker Migration Improvements
Bangladesh and Singapore held discussions on Friday to explore ways to improve the entire migration process for workers, focusing on reducing costs, increasing transparency, and enhancing efficiency. The talks aimed to foster greater collaboration between the two countries in the recruitment and welfare of migrant workers.
Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser, Lutfey Siddiqi, paid a courtesy visit to Singapore’s Minister of Manpower, Dr. Tan See Leng, at his office in Singapore. The two leaders discussed key issues related to worker migration and the treatment of migrant workers in both countries.
Siddiqi expressed his gratitude for Singapore’s professional approach to migrant workers, particularly its provision of healthcare services, which he praised for its comprehensive and caring nature. In return, Dr. Tan acknowledged the valuable contributions of migrant workers, including many Bangladeshis, particularly in Singapore’s construction sector.
The Special Envoy also briefed Dr. Tan, who also serves as Singapore’s Second Minister for Trade and Industry, on the progress of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between Bangladesh and Singapore. Siddiqi expressed hope that the FTA would create opportunities for Bangladeshi workers across a broader range of skills and industries.
During his visit, Siddiqi inaugurated a new online attestation service for In-Principle Approvals (IPAs) at the Bangladesh High Commission in Singapore. IPAs are preliminary work permits issued by the Singaporean government as part of the worker recruitment process. Previously, workers and employers were required to physically visit the Bangladesh mission to obtain these approvals, creating an administrative burden. The newly launched online system now allows the entire process to be completed digitally.
Siddiqi also met with Bangladeshi workers in Singapore and promised to address their grievances. The Chief Adviser’s press wing reported that an inter-ministerial group, including the Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and the Bangladesh High Commissioner in Singapore, expedited the delivery of the long-delayed online solution.
Lutfey Siddiqi emphasized that both Chief Adviser Professor Yunus and Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul have made the welfare of migrant workers a top priority for the government. He noted ongoing efforts to improve the airport experience, passport services, monitor airfares, and respond more effectively to workers’ concerns. “While much work remains, it is encouraging to see positive progress,” Siddiqi said.