Bangladesh has lifted travel restrictions to Oman and  Kuwait-- popular work destinations for its workers - allowing 25,000 nationals to resume their jobs there. 

Bangladesh’s Civil Aviation Authority this week issued a circular, permitting flights to these two countries, reported The Daily Star. A few weeks ago, when coronavirus cases surged in the country, it had banned international travels, leaving many of its overseas workers stranded in the country for over a month now. 

Both countries have recently lifted restrictions on Bangladesh nationals. However,Kuwait so far has just allowed those workers who have been employed as domestic workers there.

Currently, the government has banned travel from, and to, eleven countries, including India. 

Remittances from these expatriate workers contribute significantly to Bangladesh’s economy.  Recently, the data released by the Bangladesh government show that remittances in the last eleven months have jumped forty percent this year. 

Over the next five years, the government has planned to create 5 million new workers, including skilled labor force, revealed a vision document for the 8th-Five-year-Plan presented early this year. This workforce will get jobs in around 20 countries in four different regions across the world.

Skill development and training centers would also be established to provide long-term training to potential migrants. The government will also engage authorities from twenty countries to get skill set certifications.

From 2021 to 2025, the Bangladesh government has set a target of $150 billion in remittance. Recently, even amidst the raging pandemic, Bangladesh has allowed international flights to work destinations in gulf countries. It shows the importance the sector gets from the government. 

(SAM)