A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Bangladesh and Greece on recruitment of workers.
The MoU was signed between the two countries on Wednesday afternoon at Probashi Kalyan Bhaban in Dhaka.
It was signed by Imran Ahmed, Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment on behalf of Bangladesh and Panagiotis Mitarachi, Minister for Migration and Asylum of Greece, on behalf of Greece.
The information was provided in a press release sent to the media from the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.
Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Dr Ahmed Munirush Salehin and Secretary General of Migration Policy of Greece, Patroklos Georgiadis were also present during this time.
As a result of signing this MoU, employment opportunities will be created in Greece for Bangladeshi workers. At the same time, Bangladeshi expatriates residing in Greece will have the opportunity to work there legally.
Greece will provide employment opportunities to 4,000 new workers from Bangladesh every year. They will be given a 5 year temporary work permit. Under the agreement, seasonal workers will be recruited in the agricultural sector. Later, both the countries will increase the number of sectors based on demand.
They will have to return to Bangladesh after 5 years. At the time of application, valid travel document, valid work contract, proof of health insurance must be submitted and the prescribed fee and expenses must be carried.
In a press briefing after the signing of the MoU, the Greek Minister said that the agreement would be implemented soon with the approval of the Greek Parliament.
Referring to this as the first MoU on employment of Bangladesh with any European country, Imran Ahmed said that this would enable Bangladeshi workers to go to Greece safely and work there legally.
“Everyone should be careful not to fall into the clutches of any broker or fraudster,” he said.
Patroklos Georgiadis said that although Bangladeshi workers are hardworking, they lose everything falling into the trap of human traffickers.
He mentioned that the agreement will protect the interests of Bangladeshi workers.
