Japan labour recruitment deal to take effect from April

Bangladesh and Japan signed the Employment Skills Development Program-Memorandum of Cooperation (ESDP-MOC) agreement, opening the door for recruitment of Bangladeshi workers in the East Asian nation from April 1, 2027.

The Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment confirmed the signing of the agreement and the timeline for recruitment on Monday (October 19).

The ESDP-MOC was finalized on Sunday (October 18) following year-long joint efforts between the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and the Japanese government.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment signed the agreement on behalf of Bangladesh, while representatives from Japan's Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and National Police Agency signed on behalf of Japan.

The deal is regarded as a milestone in the current government's efforts to expand overseas employment. Copies of the agreement will be officially exchanged between both sides during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's upcoming official visit to Japan.

Under the terms of the deal, Japan will begin recruiting Bangladeshi workers on April 1, 2027. The agreement carries an initial tenure of five years, with automatic extension for another five years upon expiration, bringing the overall tenure to 10 years.

Highlighting the primary benefits of the agreement, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haq Chowdhury stated that maximum protection for workers will be guaranteed alongside strengthened bilateral cooperation in sending and receiving personnel. He noted that the arrangement will enhance the skill development of Bangladeshi citizens while offering high salaries and long-term residency opportunities in Japan.

The minister added that under this agreement, Bangladeshi workers will receive legal protections equivalent to local Japanese workers and enjoy equal workplace opportunities regardless of gender. Notably, female foreign workers cannot be terminated or subjected to discriminatory treatment due to pregnancy or childbirth, and the agreement includes no provision for forced deportation on those grounds.

Officials expressed optimism that the execution of this agreement will further solidify bilateral ties while broadening avenues for developing Bangladesh's skilled manpower.

-SA