The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented change -- millions of people have lost their jobs and livelihoods, which include many of our migrant workers who have been forced to return to the country, and are now in urgent need of being integrated into the workforce.
To that end, experts are calling for a formal qualification that matches their knowledge and skills. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a definite step in the right direction, and would prove to be extremely useful for their reintegration into the workplace.
In addition, there has never been a greater need for newer skills to keep up with the demands of the changing world, and therefore, upskilling our migrant workers and equipping them with the knowhow to deal with a rapidly changing work environment will go a long way toward making them ready for the domestic workplace, or if they find work overseas.
It is also encouraging that migrant workers recognize the need for this upskilling as well; a recent IOM study said 60% Bangladeshi returned migrants had expressed a genuine desire to upgrade and certify their skills.
Migrant workers have continued to be a cornerstone of our economy. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, our hard-working expats have continued to send their money back, and remittance earnings have remained steady.
It is now time for the relevant authorities to stand by them, and offer them all the support that they deserve and have earned so admirably, to get back into the workforce and continue to contribute to Bangladesh’s economy.
