Prime minister (PM) has directed Probashi Kallyan Bank to provide TK 10 lakh loans supporting students travelling to South Korea, Japan, China and Germany for education and employment.

State minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur briefed media on Tuesday following high-level meeting. Loan will serve as bank guarantee or solvency support without requiring traditional collateral.

“Students going to these countries for studies ultimately connect with employment there. We benefit as educated population joins workforce and sends remittances. That’s why government decided on this TK 10 lakh loan or bank solvency support without guarantee”, Nur explained.

Loan cannot be withdrawn as cash but will support payment requirements for overseas travel. Recipients cannot spend money for other purposes. Regular banks require guarantees and involve complex procedures, making this dedicated scheme more accessible.

Meeting discussed Middle East war impact on labour market and remittances. “War won’t significantly affect our labour market or remittances. Maybe temporarily. Rather, when war stops, reconstruction will need manpower. Bangladesh will have opportunities to enter those labour markets freshly”, Nur said.

Government plans to finalize migration cost limits within days under 180-day work plan. For Singapore, costs will be fixed at TK 2 lakh to 3 lakh, preventing agencies from charging excessive amounts currently reaching TK 14 lakh to 16 lakh.

Closed labour markets including Malaysia will reopen soon through official negotiations. “We’re having official talks with Malaysia. We hope to get positive response from Malaysia and Vietnam very soon, allowing us to send significant numbers there”, state minister said.

PM emphasized third language learning importance, noting workers earn higher salaries with language skills. Japan Cell committee has been formed to expedite sending one lakh workers under interim government MOU.

European visa applicants currently travelling to India for processing. PM directed Foreign Ministry to persuade European countries to establish consular services in Bangladesh. Some countries already provide services while others are being pursued.

South Korea flight cancellation before Eid was discussed. PM instructed Aviation Ministry to ensure Bangladeshi expatriates can return home smoothly.