In an era of rapid global workforce expansion, Bangladesh is experiencing a significant surge in manpower exports, driven by unprecedented demand from international markets. With around seven lakh workers from Bangladesh securing jobs abroad in the past ten months, this trend highlights the mounting importance of Bangladesh’s workforce on the global stage. Saudi Arabia remains the largest employer, drawing over 374,000 workers, followed closely by Malaysia and Qatar, emphasising Bangladesh’s evolving role as a crucial supplier of skilled and unskilled labour.
Saudi Arabia: Destination of choice for Bangladeshi workers
At the heart of this migration surge is Saudi Arabia, where high-profile “giga-projects” such as NEOM, a multibillion-dollar smart city, have generated immense employment opportunities. These initiatives, part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, are transforming the Saudi economy and positioning the nation as a global investment and digital arrangement leader. Saudi Arabia’s workforce requirements are wide-ranging and workers from Bangladesh, especially in skilled occupations like construction, electrical work and plumbing, are meeting this demand.
The Kingdom’s February 2024 launch of the Workers’ Recruitment and Skill Verification Programme in Bangladesh has further accelerated this migration. Over 150 technical training hubs have been established in Bangladesh through this initiative, equipping workers with industry-standard skills in high-demand employment. Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training (BMET) Additional Secretary Shah Abdul Tarique notes that Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects are driving a sharp rise in demand for skilled Bangladeshi workers, underscoring how this programme has elevated the professional competency of Bangladesh’s labour force.
Expert migration on the rise: A way to economic growth
A remarkable shift is occurring in Bangladeshi manpower exports, with a mounting number of skilled migrants leaving for better-paying jobs abroad. Historically dominated by unskilled labour, the migrant force from Bangladesh now includes thousands of expert workers—like electricians, drivers and IT professionals—who are increasingly in demand as Saudi Arabia diversifies its economy. This transition from unskilled to skilled labour migration is enhancing employment security for workers and increasing the value of remittance sent home.
The economic effects of this skilled migration trend are significant. As Bangladesh’s largest expat community, with around three million workers in Saudi Arabia, the income generated through remittance plays an important role in stabilising Bangladesh’s economy. These funds support individual households and contribute to foreign exchange reserves, driving broader economic development at the national level.
Beyond the Middle East: Expanding workforce prospects
Although Saudi Arabia remains the primary destination, Malaysia and Qatar have emerged as secondary markets, welcoming over 1 lakh and 45 thousand Bangladeshi workers respectively. South Korea has also gained popularity as a promising destination, reflecting Bangladesh’s mounting integration into diverse global labour markets.
BMET’s current collaboration with several host countries has helped establish training practices and labour agreements that ensure workers from Bangladesh are well-prepared and effectively supported. This strategic expansion into fresh markets emphasises Bangladesh’s potential to meet global labour demands.
Strengthen training for a skilled future
Looking to the future, experts highlight the need for Bangladesh to continue investing in skill-based training hubs that match global employment standards. The impact of well-trained workers extends far beyond individual earnings; these workers contribute to Bangladesh’s long-term economic stability through their foreign income.
In addition to making higher remittances, this skilled labour migration contributes to broader national development goals, dropping poverty and improving livelihood. The government’s partnerships with private recruiting agencies and international employers further ensure that workers from Bangladesh are able to secure employment and are positioned for career growth abroad.
A strategic asset for economic resilience
Bangladesh’s rise as a main supplier of skilled and semi-skilled labour marks a turning point in its economic trajectory. The surge in manpower exports is more than a response to global labour shortages; it is a witness to Bangladesh’s strategic investment in workforce development. Bangladesh is paving the path for sustained growth and economic resilience by establishing stronger training arrangements and fostering robust global partnerships.
As Saudi Arabia and other countries continue to demand skilled labour, Bangladesh stands ready to meet this challenge, transforming its labour force into a powerful economic asset. With an eye on long-term gains, Bangladesh is boosting its remittance inflows and making pathways to prosperity for its citizens—a vision that promises to enhance the country’s standing on the global economic stage.
Raj Kiron Das, an Editorial Assistant at Bangladesh Post and a founder of Equal Rights Organisation (ERO),
can be reached at <ragbirajmcjru@gmail.com>
