State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Nurul Haque Nur, has said the government is working to reopen Middle Eastern labour markets that have narrowed in recent years.
“We have placed this matter before the prime minister from our ministry, seeking special attention to restoring access to key labour destinations in the Gulf. Necessary steps will be taken,” he said speaking to reporters at the secretariat this afternoon.
“Our labour market was opened during the time of former president Ziaur Rahman and continued during Khaleda Zia’s government. But since then, especially under the Awami League government, many markets were effectively closed,” he added.
The state minister said expanding overseas employment remains a top priority, given the critical role remittances play in supporting the national economy.
Earlier in the day, while visiting the ministry’s offices after formally assuming charge, Nur told journalists reducing the high cost of overseas migration and curbing fraud would be his immediate focus.
“First of all, our focus will be on stopping fraud, reducing extra costs, and ensuring proper facilities for our overseas labour workers,” he said.
Referring to his dual responsibilities in the expatriates’ welfare and labour portfolios, Nur described both as "complex sectors" with entrenched challenges, including delayed wage payments during Eid, inadequate labour welfare officers at foreign missions, hardships faced by workers abroad, and the soaring cost of migration.
“Our economy depends heavily on remittances. So protecting expatriate workers and ensuring their benefits is not just a duty, it is essential for Bangladesh,” he said.
Nur said assuming office carried added significance for him, given his past involvement in rights-based movements.
“Before, I spoke at seminars and stood at the press club. Now I am at the policy-making table. That makes this my priority.”
Urging patience as he settles into his new responsibilities, the state minister said the ministry had only just begun its work under the new leadership.
“Give us some time to understand everything. Please stay with us and support us,” he said.
