Dhaka: An allocation of Taka 855 crore has been made for the Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry in the proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Of the proposed Taka 855 crore, Taka 451 crore was allocated for operating tasks and Taka 404 crore for the Annual Development Plan of the ministry.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ministry saw a reduction of Taka 285 crore in budget allocation compared to the revised budget of the 2024-25 fiscal, which was Taka 1,140 crore. The proposed budget for the fiscal 2024-25 for the Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry was Taka 1,217 crore. Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed announced the proposed national budget for fiscal year 2025-26 in a pre-recorded broadcast on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar.
To increase the number of workers going abroad, the government plans to strengthen activities in 70 Technical Training Centers (TTCs) at the district level and 40 TTCs at the upazila level, alongside constructing 50 new TTCs in additional upazilas. In developed countries, the demand for caregivers is rising. By developing skilled human resources in this sector to meet global demand, opportunities for overseas employment can be expanded, unlocking new avenues for earning foreign remittances. Initiatives have been taken to provide necessary training for caregivers.
Additionally, launching PhD courses in nursing education and establishing an international standard training center for nursing educators are under consideration. The adviser mentioned that initiatives have been taken to digitalize the departure process for workers, with exit clearance arrangements already in place in six districts, set to extend to all districts in phases.
Ahmed also stated that a digital system would be introduced for submitting and addressing complaints of deceived workers. Efforts will be made to decentralize the power of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) at the district level, including delegating the power of dispute resolution officers to investigating officers and forming a complaint management cell.
Regarding duty, the adviser noted that the import value of any consignment not exceeding Taka 2 thousand of duty evasion is now exempted from duty imposition. This minimum value limit has been increased to Taka 4 thousand, offering significant relief to travelers, including expatriate remittance earners.