🇧🇩 Case 5: The Bangladesh Case

In Bangladesh, Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment (EWOE) was established to improve the country's socio-economic condition by ensuring the overall welfare and equal opportunities for the expatriate Bangladeshis, exploring new labor market, creating skilled labour force by providing training according to the demand of the market, reducing unemployment through foreign employment and increasing remittance inflow. The EWOE Policy 2016 identifies the need for financial and human resources to address gender issues, including: (1) establishing a special permanent wing in the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment to devise approaches and coordinate implementation of programmes supporting the migration of women workers; (2) enhancing gender-responsive budgetary allocations on the expansion and diversification of women’s participation in the migration process; (3) seeking cooperation from civil society organizations, international donors and NGOs for technical and resource support for promotion, protection and empowerment programmes; and (4) increasing the presence of women in Labour Welfare Wings.

In addition, there are different provisions in relation to advancing women migrants’ rights and protections, particularly with regard to ensuring the sending of women migrant workers safely to different countries including the Middle East. For example, training of minimum 30 (thirty) working days of training for women intending to be an overseas domestic worker have been made compulsory before departure. Apart from training on housekeeping, women are oriented with the primary ideas and relevant information about the country's language and social customs. By this, women workers are sensitized about their safety and can engage themselves in their work abroad with confidence. The Policy also has provisions for the following:

• There is a plan to send 50 thousands women workers to Hong Kong within next five years as part of the international labour market expansion. To this and, an agreement has been signed with the government of Hong Kong. A similar agreement has also been signed with the government of Jordan in order to send women workers;
• TIn the quest for job creation, both at home and abroad, skill development is progressing through the training to women workers. 64 TTCs and 6 Institute of Marine Technology have been established under the EWOE. Besides, a project of establishing 40 TTC’s in 40 sub-districts is underway. Training to women, workers on various trades alongside male workers will be possible in such institutes that would create a positive impact on women development including opportunity for employment;
• TIn accordance with the huge demand for skilled women workers in House- keeping in the Middle East and other countries, training in being provided to women workers on the course curriculum designed with the assistance of the International Migration Organization with this, opportunity has been created in sending women workers to the Middle East and other countries;
• The Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) arranges pre-departure awareness briefing for women workers.