Greece is opening its labour market for Bangladeshi workers.
The two countries signed a memorandum of undersigning (MoU) on safe, secured and regular migration at the Probashi Kallyan Bhaban in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmad and Greek Minister for Migration and Asylum Notis Mitarachi inked the MoU on behalf of their respective nations.
The agreement would be implemented soon with the approval of the Greek Parliament.
Under the MoU, Greece will allow 4,000 new workers from Bangladesh to work in the country every year. They will receive a five-year temporary work permit.
Seasonal workers will also be hired in the agricultural sector.
Later, both the countries will increase the number of sectors based on demand.
As per the MoU, the expatriate workers would have to return to Bangladesh after five years.
However, they will be able to return to Greece for employment. At the time of application, a valid travel document, work contract, proof of health insurance will have to be submitted.
At the same time, Bangladeshi expatriates residing in Greece will have the opportunity to work legally under the agreement.
Referring to this as the first MoU on employment of Bangladesh with any European country, Minister Imran Ahmed said this would enable Bangladeshi workers to go to Greece safely and work legally.
However, he warned everyone to be careful not to fall into the clutches of any broker or fraudster.
Echoing his statement, Greek Minister Mitarachi said that although Bangladeshi workers are hardworking, human traffickers trap them with lucrative offers.
He mentioned that the agreement will protect the interests of Bangladeshi workers.
