DHAKA BUREAU: The Government of Italy has reiterated its support to the Government of Bangladesh, through a cooperation project to strengthen migration management, with a special focus on promoting safe migration and addressing the challenges of migration. This project will help the affected migrants to reintegrate into their society. Which will be implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Bangladesh.
To acknowledge this cooperation of the Italian government, a press briefing was organized today on 12 December 2022 at the Ministry of Expatriate Welfare and Foreign Employment in which high-level representatives of the Ministry of Expatriate Welfare and Foreign Employment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Italian Embassy and IOM participated.
Bangladesh has been at the forefront of safe and regular migration for decades. Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmad MP noted at the event that the ministry welcomes all partners interested in facilitating safe, orderly, regular and responsible migration, including reunification and welfare services for migrants and returnees in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). . The Minister stressed on ensuring safe, orderly and regular migration and urged all stakeholders to take concerted initiatives and actions in this regard.
Speaking at the event, Honorable Ambassador Enrico Nunijata said that the Italian government is pleased to support migration management and reintegration programs in Bangladesh. The $3 million project will ensure safe migration, support the reunification of returnees to Bangladesh under the EU-backed Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) program, and help climate change-affected communities address their socio-economic needs. The Ambassador expressed his hope that this intervention is only the beginning of a long-term cooperation with the Government of Bangladesh in the field of immigration.
Expatriate Welfare and Foreign Employment Ministry Secretary, Dr. Ahmed Muniruch Saleheen said the Government of Bangladesh is committed to implementing and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 10.7 including ensuring safe, orderly and responsible migration. The Government of Bangladesh has identified migration as a key driver of the country’s development and has taken various steps to ensure safe and regular migration.
Mr. Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, while appreciating the assistance of the Italian government, said that through this project, the most vulnerable migrants, returnees and those affected by the effects of climate will get the necessary assistance.
At the event, IOM’s Bangladesh Mission Chief, Mr. Abdusattar Esayev, reiterated the importance of improved migration management and taking a holistic approach across the entire migration system. Mr. Esayev stressed the importance of flexibility for countries to plan migration-related activities based on their own realities and capabilities in order to ensure quality migration.
