The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is interested in recruiting trained manpower from Bangladesh as there is a huge demand for skilled drivers and gardeners in the gulf-country.
UAE ambassador to Bangladesh Abdulla Ali Khaseif AlHmoudi showed the interest at a meeting with Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at his office in the Secretariat.
Home Minister, UAE Ambassador discuss issues of mutual interest
During the meeting, they discussed various issues of mutual interest, including law and order and security issues, prevention of human trafficking, export of skilled manpower including drivers and gardeners from Bangladesh and arranging necessary training for them, increasing UAE investment and trade in Bangladesh, and a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty.
The Home Minister assured the Ambassador of the Bangladesh government's full support in sending trained and skilled manpower to the UAE.
At this time, he said both countries could jointly organise a six-month international-standard driver training course in Bangladesh. Those who successfully complete this training could be recruited as skilled drivers in the UAE, he added.
Salahuddin put special emphasis on introducing a uniform driver training course for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) or Gulf countries, and assured the Ambassador that a proposal regarding this would be sent to the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment of Bangladesh for taking necessary steps.
The UAE Ambassador said Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates are very close and long-standing friendly nations. Currently, around 2 million Bangladeshi migrants are working with a high reputation in the UAE, contributing significantly to the economies of both countries, he said.
The envoy said there is currently a huge demand for skilled drivers and gardeners in his country, and the UAE is particularly interested in recruiting trained manpower from Bangladesh in these fields.
According to the UAE's state policy, specifically for the recruitment of drivers, undergoing a six-month specialized training course is mandatory, he mentioned.
Ambassador AlHmoudi said various leading companies of the UAE are interested in making large-scale investments in Bangladesh's IT and emerging sectors, including cyber security.
The meeting also featured discussions on the joint efforts of both countries to prevent and suppress human trafficking.
The Ambassador said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to address the human trafficking issue between the two countries is finalized and ready for signature.
In response, the Home Minister suggested that a comprehensive 'Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty' could be signed between the two countries, which would encompass all types of criminal matters, including human trafficking prevention, said a PID handout.