The "Europe Visa Seekers' Alliance" has urged the government to take proactive steps to safeguard the European labour market for Bangladeshi workers and ensure a conducive migration environment.

The alliance has proposed a four-point plan aimed at addressing illegal migration concerns, improving worker rights, expanding visa processing facilities and rationalising airfare costs.

During a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club, Nafisa Islam Khan, the convener of the alliance, along with Member Secretary Mehedi Hasan Ashiq, Mohammad Sohel Bana, Mir Murad, and Shayon Kumar Roy, outlined the following key proposals:

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·         Curbing Illegal Migration: The alliance has recommended that the government take strict measures to prevent illegal migration. They suggested that prior to issuing an immigration clearance card, the Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training (BMET) should require a security deposit in the form of a bank cheque from each worker’s guardian or guarantor.

·         Ensuring Legal Protection and Job Transfers: To protect workers' rights, the alliance proposed that Bangladesh negotiate with European governments to ensure legal recourse for employees who do not receive their contractual wages or are placed in unfavourable working conditions.

·         Expanding Visa Processing Services: The alliance urged the government to engage in diplomatic discussions to establish the embassies of Romania, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Portugal, Latvia, and Poland in Bangladesh.

·         They also advocated for the commencement of job visa processing for these countries from within Bangladesh, eliminating the need for visa seekers to travel to third countries for processing.

·         Reducing Airfare Costs: To ease financial burdens on migrant workers, the alliance called on authorities to mandate airlines to keep airfares at a reasonable level. If necessary, they suggested inviting international airlines to operate in Bangladesh to increase competition and ensure fair pricing for migrant workers.

The alliance strongly urged the government to take immediate action based on these proposals, emphasising that such measures are crucial to preserving Bangladesh’s access to European labour markets.

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They stressed that the government’s swift intervention would be in the best national interest and help prevent any potential downturn in overseas employment opportunities.

Alliance leaders and stakeholders advocating for streamlined migration policies and better working conditions for Bangladeshi workers abroad attended the press conference.