Bangladesh on Sunday called for enhanced cooperation between labour-sending and destination countries to ensure safe, orderly, and ethical migration, as the country’s expatriates’ welfare adviser addressed the Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD) 2026, according to a press release from the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.

Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul represented Bangladesh at the ministerial-level forum and spoke during the opening session of the second day of discussions, the ministry said. On the sidelines, he also held a bilateral meeting with the United Arab Emirates’ Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Dr Abdulrahman Abdulmanan Al Awar.

In his address, Dr Nazrul described the Abu Dhabi Dialogue as a “trusted and effective platform” for promoting ethical labour migration. He noted that Bangladesh is among the world’s largest labour-sending countries, with expatriate workers contributing significantly to national development through remittances while also supporting the economies of host countries.

However, he acknowledged that migrant workers continue to face exploitation and rights violations, stressing that such challenges must be addressed through shared responsibility between sending and receiving states. “Ethical recruitment, decent work, and the protection of human dignity must remain at the core of our collective efforts,” he said, according to the press release.

The adviser highlighted several recent initiatives taken by the Bangladeshi government, including the launch of a fully digital overseas employment portal, stronger pre-departure assistance and overseas welfare services, upgraded skills training aligned with international standards, and stricter enforcement against fraudulent recruitment practices.

During his meeting with the UAE minister, Dr Nazrul expressed gratitude for the amnesty granted to 212 convicted Bangladeshi expatriates. He also raised concerns over visa-related difficulties faced by Bangladeshi workers, noting that labour flows have declined amid restrictive visa policies. He sought cooperation in simplifying visa procedures, particularly for family, seafarer, and transfer visas, the ministry said.

The adviser also held separate meetings on January 31 with Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, and the Philippines’ Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers, Hans Leo Cacdac. Those talks focused on labour migration management, skills development, ethical recruitment, and the exchange of best practices in migrant welfare.

The 8th Ministerial Consultation of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue opened on January 31 at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, bringing together representatives from 17 member states, senior officials, and international organisations. For the first time, representatives from the OIC Labour Centre participated in the consultations.

Bangladesh said it would continue to play a proactive role in international forums to safeguard the rights and welfare of its migrant workers, emphasising closer cooperation with destination countries as global labour mobility continues to evolve.