Accra:Japan will begin recruiting Bangladeshi workers from April 1, 2027, following a Memorandum of Cooperation on Employment Skills Development (ESDP-MOC) signed between the two countries on October 17.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the agreement was signed by the Secretary of the Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry on behalf of Bangladesh, while representatives from Japan's Justice Ministry, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry, and the National Police Agency signed for Japan.
The agreement initially spans five years and will automatically extend for another five years upon expiry, making the overall term 10 years. It aims to ensure the protection of Bangladeshi workers, strengthen cooperation in worker exchange, and create opportunities for skills development through employment.
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury highlighted that the agreement would provide maximum protection for Bangladeshi workers, promote their skills development, offer higher wages, and enable long-term residence in Japan. The agreement guarantees Bangladeshi workers legal protection equivalent to local Japanese workers and ensures equal opportunities for men and women in the workplace. It also specifies that female foreign workers will not face dismissal or discrimination due to pregnancy or childbirth, and there is no mandatory provision for forced repatriation.
During Prime Minister Tareque Rahman's upcoming visit to Japan, copies of the agreement will be officially exchanged between the two parties. The ministry expressed optimism that the agreement will further strengthen the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Japan and expand opportunities for the development of Bangladesh's skilled human resources.