First ever job fair for returnee migrant workers

Dhaka: After toiling for five years on construction sites in Saudi Arabia, Dutt Kumar Das returned to Bangladesh in 2013 to look after his family. He planned to find a job in Bangladesh and put to use the skills and experience he has developed over the years.
I used to make scaffolding and molds for concrete at construction sites. I also learned to drive during my stay in Saudi Arabia,” said Das. “But after returning to Bangladesh I could not find a suitable job and to earn a living I am driving an auto-rickshaw and running a small clothing business. I want to use my experience and get a job in the construction sector and use my skills.

Das was speaking at the first ever job fair for returnee migrant workers held in Bangladesh which took place in Dhaka 24 May 2015. The event was organized by the Bangladesh Employers Federation (BEF) with support from ILO Promoting Decent Work thorough Improved Migration Policy and its Application in Bangladesh; funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

I have submitted my resume to the construction companies that are here at this job fair for people like us and hope that they will call me for a job which matches my skills and experience,” added Dutt.

Over 1,000 returnee migrant workers attended the job fair where they met with employers from various industries looking for experienced staff.

We need to tap into the wealth of knowledge and skills that the returnee migrant workers bring back with them. Eight million trained and experienced migrant workers are a huge resource pool that Bangladesh can benefit from said BEF Vice President Mrs. Sabrina Islam.

Eighteen employers from a wide range of sectors including construction, ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, leather and ceramics participated in the event. The employers collected information and resume from the returnee migrant workers to find future employees.

ILO Country Director for Bangladesh, Mr. Srinivas B Reddy stressed the need for institutionalization of the reintegration process for migrant workers, so that local labour markets can find skilled staff while workers can acquire skills through safe migration.

Safe migration along with safe return is important for the benefit of both sending and receiving countries the ILO country director said.