Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to the Maldives and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have discussed strengthening cooperation to improve the protection, welfare, and dignity of migrant workers, particularly Bangladeshi expatriates living in the island nation, according to an official statement.

The discussions took place during a courtesy meeting between Bangladesh High Commissioner to the Maldives, Dr Md Nazmul Islam, and Kristin Parco, Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, said a statement issued by the High Commission on Sunday.  

The meeting focused on advancing “practical, humane and sustainable” solutions to migration-related challenges in the region and reflected a shared commitment to ensuring the welfare and protection of migrant workers, especially the sizeable Bangladeshi community employed in the Maldives.

According to the statement, both sides explored the possible formation of a Migration Advisory Group involving the diplomatic missions of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Nepal, and the Philippines to coordinate responses to migration-related issues and improve labour governance.

The discussions also covered efforts to strengthen the Migrant Worker Resource Centre and the possibility of holding a multi-stakeholder conference aimed at developing a long-term strategy to address existing and emerging migration challenges in the Maldives.

Parco highlighted IOM’s ongoing efforts to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration while emphasizing the importance of collaborative mechanisms to address labour migration concerns.

Nazmul Islam praised IOM’s role in protecting the rights and welfare of migrant workers, including Bangladeshi nationals, and said Bangladeshi expatriates continued to contribute significantly to the Maldives’ socio-economic development through their labour.

He also expressed gratitude to the Maldivian government for its support for Bangladeshi workers, particularly regarding welfare and protection issues.

The Bangladeshi envoy stressed the need for collective action to tackle challenges related to employment conditions, worker awareness, skills development, and access to services, saying coordinated efforts among governments, international organizations and community stakeholders were essential for sustainable solutions.

Both parties discussed organizing joint initiatives, including seminars, training programmes and awareness campaigns aimed at improving the skills, wellbeing and integration of Bangladeshi migrant workers in the Maldives.

The meeting concluded with an understanding to deepen cooperation between the Bangladesh High Commission and IOM to support a migration framework that is safe, humane, and beneficial for migrant workers and host communities alike.