Bangladesh Adopts Zero-Tolerance Policy on Illegal Migration
Bangladesh has adopted a zero-tolerance policy on illegal migration and wants to strengthen cooperation with the European Union (EU) to combat human trafficking, send skilled workers abroad and address the Rohingya crisis, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said.
He made the remarks during a meeting with a high-level delegation led by EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday.
Mr. Salahuddin said Bangladesh was committed to working with the EU to prevent human trafficking through dangerous and illegal routes and protect aspiring migrants. The government wants to bring illegal migration down to zero and create opportunities to send skilled workers to European labour markets through legal channels.
The meeting discussed preventing illegal migration and human trafficking, sending skilled workers abroad through legal channels, strengthening border security and resolving the Rohingya crisis, among other issues of mutual interest.
Mr. Brunner praised the strategic partnership and cooperation between Bangladesh and the EU. He said preventing human trafficking and illegal migration was a priority for both sides. Reducing illegal migration would make it easier for Bangladeshi workers to enter European labour markets through legal channels, he added.
The meeting also discussed providing international-standard training and certification to Bangladeshi workers under the Talent Partnership initiative to facilitate legal migration.
Mr. Salahuddin said Bangladesh had urged EU member states to send training experts to the country to provide direct training and certification to around 750 skilled workers who had completed training but faced difficulties obtaining European certification. The EU delegation responded positively to the proposal, he added.
The home minister also said an Advanced Passenger Information and Border Management System would be introduced by the end of this year to monitor passenger movements at the country’s airports, seaports and land ports and identify criminals. The system will be connected to Interpol’s database.
The meeting also discussed establishing a direct institutional agreement between the Ministry of Home Affairs and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, known as Frontex. The initiative is expected to strengthen border management and improve technological capabilities.
Describing the Rohingya crisis as a serious threat to regional and global security, Mr. Salahuddin said population growth and recent regional instability had made the situation more complex.
He sought active EU cooperation in putting effective international pressure on Myanmar’s authorities and the Arakan Army to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. The EU delegation assured him of joint diplomatic efforts on the issue.
EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, Director Henrik Nielsen, Cabinet Member Grigorios Delavekouras, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation Baiba Zarina and other delegation members attended the meeting.
Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Dr Ziauddin Ahmed and senior officials from the ministries of home and foreign affairs were also present.
