Dhaka:Italy is making strides to enhance bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh, focusing on promoting safe, regular, and skills-based migration, as well as preventing irregular migration flows. Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro has underscored the significance of Italian language proficiency, civic knowledge, and professional training in preparing Bangladeshi migrant workers for employment and integration into Italian society.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Italian Embassy in Dhaka organized a public presentation titled 'Language, Civic and Professional Training for Skilled Migration to Italy.' The event gathered senior government officials, diplomatic representatives, international organizations, and about 300 trainees from pre-departure training projects aimed at work migrants to Italy. The program was attended by Dr Mahdi Amin, Prime Minister's Adviser and Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), as the chief guest.
Ambassador Alessandro warned of the limitations on the number of migrants Italy can accommodate, cautioning against shortcuts that could endanger migrant workers. The event reaffirmed the commitment of Bangladesh, Italy, and their international partners to promoting safe, regular, and skills-based migration, creating opportunities for Bangladeshi workers to secure dignified employment in Italy without resorting to intermediaries or illegal means.
Presentations of ongoing private sector-led projects were delivered by representatives of 'Frontiere Skills' and 'Format.' These projects involve basic Italian language skills, fundamental civic studies on Italy, and sector-specific professional qualifications. The training is provided at no cost to prospective migrants, funded by implementing private sector entities, and each project is assessed and approved by an inter-ministerial committee led by Italy's Ministry of Labour and Social Policies.
Dr Mahdi Amin highlighted Bangladesh's commitment to expanding skilled, transparent, and affordable overseas employment opportunities, expressing interest in further developing the training model and extending it to other sectors and international labor markets. The importance of learning Italian as a third language was also emphasized. The audience mainly consisted of prospective migrants selected by Frontiere Skills for the 'TASTE' project in the restaurant and hospitality sectors, and students from Format's 'Tessere il Domani' project in the textile sector.