Dhaka: The Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment has initiated a series of strategic decisions to bolster manpower export to Japan, positioning it as an emerging market for Bangladeshi workers in the upcoming years. These decisions were formulated during the third meeting of the ministry's 'Japan Cell' on September 3, chaired by Chief Adviser's Special Envoy on International Affairs, Lutfey Siddiqi, as noted by a press release from the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ministry communicated these decisions to the Chief Adviser's Office through an official letter. The letter outlined plans to utilize social media platforms, such as Facebook, to disseminate information about the activities of the 'Japan Cell', featuring insights from Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Professor Dr. Asif Nazrul and the Ambassador to Japan. These efforts aim to highlight the potential of the Japanese labor market for Bangladeshi workers.
The letter further explained that Japan faces a projected working population deficit of 11 million by 2040, as reported by the Japan Times. To address this, Japan is expected to hire foreign workers under various visa categories. Under the guidance of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, a comprehensive action plan has been established to facilitate training and ensure employment through agreements with organizations such as the National Business Support Cooperative Federation (NBCC), Japan Bangla Bridge Recruiting Agency Ltd (JBBRA), and Kaicom Dream Street BD Co Ltd (KDS).
Specific initiatives include sending workers to Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) category with NBCC's collaboration. The ministry aims to identify target-based workers and encourage other organizations to plan for increased skilled worker exports from Bangladesh. The 'Japan Desk', supported by various offices including the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and the Embassies of Bangladesh and Japan, has been launched to support these efforts.
The 'Japan Desk' will focus on assessing labor market demand in Japan, promoting employment opportunities, providing language training, conducting digital testing and data collection, and ensuring coordination with Japanese agencies. Professor Dr. Asif Nazrul emphasized the desk's role in creating new employment opportunities and reducing poverty.
Bangladesh's Ambassador to Japan highlighted Japan's shift towards ensuring quality over quantity by monitoring the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). The ambassador advocated for mechanical Japanese language training for trainees at the Technical Training Center (TTC) to enhance skill acquisition.
Additionally, plans are underway to offer skilled nursing services through Kaicom Dream Street BD Co. Ltd, with CTG set to become a model campus for training and language skill programs under the KDS Group. NBCC and JBBRA will jointly recruit workers in the SSW category through an expansion agreement.
Following the launch of the 'Japan Desk', several activities have been undertaken, including the launch of a dedicated website and Facebook page for the Japan Cell, a special communication email, and the uploading of Japanese language learning apps. Initiatives also include arranging Japanese loans for language students, setting up additional exam centers for the JLPT, launching an online Japanese language training pilot program, and granting approval to the National Skill Development Authority (NSDA) to standardize training activities.
Furthermore, a university has been tasked with creating a database to store information from JLPT and Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT) exam participants, facilitating easier recruitment processes. A committee under Dhaka University has been formed to standardize the Japanese language education program, comprising institutions such as the Japanese Universities Alumni Association in Bangladesh (JUAAB) and the Bangladesh Association of Japanese Language Teachers Association (JALTAB).