Early shoring up called for
The
parliamentary committee on planning ministry expressed its concern over
dwindling volume of manpower export and a drop in earning from remittances by
overseas Bangladeshi workers. Manpower export has declined by 20 percent
compared to the level of September, 2010. As many as 41,220 migrant workers
returned home after job losses. The list of returnees is only lengthening without
commensurate breaking of any new ground in terms of either rehabilitating them
or sending out fresh hands.
Most
countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia are coming out of the effects
of worldwide recession. But this is yet to positively impact on demand
generation in those countries for importing manpower, especially in the
construction and service sectors. Against this backdrop, the manpower and
expatriate welfare ministry faced the dual challenge of stemming the tide of
job losses, shortening of contract periods or the tendency on the part of the
employers not to renew service contract on the one hand and of exploring new
markets for manpower export on the other. We were given to understand that both
the tasks are being undertaken but seemingly without much of a success.
The
standing committee has blamed flawed policies of the expatriate welfare
ministry and the laid-back attitude of our missions for the declining trends.
Of particular significance is the sharp criticism made of the performance of the
expatriate welfare and overseas employment ministry. Especially significant is
the pointer made to overseas visits by ministers and other government
functionaries which have been drawing a blank.
Along
with damage control, let us concentrate on a massive skill development program
based on analysis of the requirements, potential or real, of manpower in
importing countries. Furthermore, we will have to cut down on the cut-throat
cost of obtaining work permit and the associated travel. In this context
regulatory steps are due with arrangements for bank loan on easy terms.
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