Breaking Barriers: Bangladesh's Overseas Employment Surge Amid Saudi Backlog Clearance
The latest data from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) reveals a 28% surge in overseas employment from Bangladesh in November, primarily driven by the clearance of a backlog in the Saudi Arabian job market. But here's where it gets interesting: despite this impressive growth, the November figures are still 3% lower than the same period last year. So, what’s really going on?
Highlights at a Glance:
- Nearly 1 lakh Bangladeshis secured jobs abroad in November, a significant jump from October’s 78,027.
- Saudi Arabia led the charge, recruiting 64,605 workers, a 28% increase from the previous month.
- Remittances soared 31% year-on-year, reaching $2.89 billion in November, the third-highest inflow this year.
- Recruitment in Qatar, Singapore, and Kuwait remains sluggish, while Portugal and Italy emerged as notable European destinations.
The Saudi Factor: A Double-Edged Sword
The spike in overseas employment is largely attributed to the gradual easing of the Saudi Skill Verification Program (SVP), locally known as Takamul. This program, which mandates skills certification for low-skilled workers, had previously caused a slowdown in recruitment earlier this year. Shamim Hossain Chowdhury, former secretary general of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (Baira), explains, “BMET is now ramping up its capacity to conduct Takamul tests, which is why the backlog is clearing gradually.”
However, this is the part most people miss: Saudi Arabia’s temporary relaxation of SVP requirements for certain categories, such as cleaners, came after persistent requests from Bangladesh. This move has undoubtedly eased the process, but it also raises questions: Is this relaxation a long-term solution, or just a temporary fix?
The Bigger Picture: Challenges and Opportunities
While Saudi Arabia remains the largest destination, recruitment in other major markets like Qatar, Singapore, and Kuwait continues to lag. Meanwhile, traditional markets such as Malaysia, Oman, and Bahrain remain largely inaccessible due to ongoing suspensions. And this is the part most people miss: before the pandemic, Bangladesh was sending 60,000–70,000 workers monthly, a figure that has nearly doubled in recent years. But with over 80% of Bangladeshi workers abroad in low-skilled jobs, earning around Tk30,000 per month, the question arises: Are we diversifying our workforce enough to secure higher-paying opportunities?
Remittances: A Silver Lining
The 31% year-on-year jump in remittances to $2.89 billion in November is undoubtedly a positive sign. Bangladesh Bank officials attribute this rise to a decline in hundi operations and a more stable dollar rate. But here’s a thought-provoking question: As remittances grow, how can Bangladesh ensure these funds are channeled into productive investments rather than just consumption?
Controversial Take: The Skill Certification Debate
While the SVP has been a hurdle, it’s also a wake-up call for Bangladesh’s technical training infrastructure. With only 26 technical training centers (TTCs) authorized to conduct SVP tests across 73 trades, compared to BMET’s 110 TTCs nationwide, the system is clearly strained. Is Bangladesh doing enough to upskill its workforce to meet global demands?
Final Thoughts and Your Turn
As Bangladesh navigates the complexities of overseas employment, one thing is clear: the road ahead is both challenging and full of opportunities. But here’s the controversial question: Are we prioritizing short-term gains over long-term workforce development? What do you think? Is the current approach sustainable, or do we need a radical shift in strategy? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s spark a conversation!
