Bangladesh today urged the European Union (EU) to expand employment opportunities for Bangladeshi skilled workers and professionals through demand-driven legal migration pathways, while reaffirming its commitment to combating irregular migration and human trafficking.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam made the call when EU Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs Magnus Brunner paid a courtesy call on her at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here, said a ministry press release.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed strengthening cooperation on migration management, the return of irregular migrants, combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and promoting safe, orderly and regular migration.
Shama urged the EU and its member states to establish practical, demand-driven and results-oriented labour mobility corridors to facilitate greater access for Bangladeshi skilled workers and professionals to European labour markets.
She emphasised that expanding legal migration opportunities would help discourage irregular migration while creating mutually beneficial employment opportunities.
The state minister also highlighted Bangladesh’s adoption of the National Action Plan (NAP) 2026-2030 to implement the objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM).
During the discussions, EU Commissioner Brunner presented the EU’s Eastern Corridor Initiative, aimed at combating irregular migration to Europe through closer engagement with countries of origin, transit countries and other relevant stakeholders.
Shama expressed Bangladesh’s willingness to cooperate with the initiative and briefed the commissioner on measures being taken by the government to prevent irregular migration.
These include initiatives to combat document fraud and dismantle criminal networks involved in facilitating irregular migration.
The state minister stressed that addressing the root causes of irregular migration was essential alongside creating greater opportunities for safe and regular migration.
Both sides acknowledged the importance of coordinated and comprehensive efforts to address migration-related challenges and agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in this area.
Shama also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening its multifaceted partnership with the European Union, particularly through expanded trade and investment cooperation.
EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller was present at the meeting.
Both sides agreed to maintain regular dialogue and strengthen cooperation on issues of shared interest.
