Bangladesh recently urged the UAE to consider recruiting skilled professionals, especially in healthcare, agriculture, and technology sectors
The bond between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bangladesh goes beyond mere economic ties, encompassing a diverse array of cultural interactions, diplomatic engagements, and shared understanding. This comprehensive alliance has played a crucial role in advancing progress and prosperity for both countries.
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In a recent bilateral meeting between Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud of Bangladesh and UAE Minister for Human Resources and Emiratization Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Awar in Dubai, Bangladesh articulated a pressing request. Minister Mahmud urged the UAE to consider recruiting skilled, especially the recruitment of graduate nurses, healthcare technicians, caregivers, professionals, and agro-farmers.
One of the key requests made by the Bangladeshi delegation was to reopen visa issuance for all trades across all Emirates and to streamline the visa procedures for Bangladeshi workers. Additionally, this request aligns with Bangladesh’s efforts to enhance its presence in the global job market and cater to the demand for specialized expertise in various sectors. The dialogue reflects a mutual interest in strengthening cooperation between the two countries and leveraging the skills of Bangladeshi workers to meet the workforce needs of the UAE.
UAE’s Focus on Skilled Workforce and Technology
Minister Al Awar highlighted the UAE government’s focus on recruiting skilled workers based on the demands of the technology-driven job market. He emphasized the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and related software in the recruitment and management of the workforce in the UAE. Concerns were raised regarding the verification and certification of the skills of job seekers, prompting discussions on potential collaborations to address these challenges.
However, around 10 million Bangladeshis are currently employed abroad across various countries, with approximately 7.6 million lacking formal job training. The remaining expatriates have received minimal training in technical education, languages, computers, and driving. Notably, there is a shortage of doctors, engineers, teachers, and vocational degree holders among Bangladeshi expats.
The continuous advancements in technology have significantly transformed global economic, political, and social landscapes. The increasing importance of technical expertise on a global scale underscores the potential for substantial growth in remittances from the manpower sector. By enhancing skills training and education in key areas, Bangladesh can further capitalize on its expatriate workforce and boost remittance inflows significantly.
Beyond recruitment matters, both sides engaged in discussions concerning the welfare of the Bangladeshi community in the UAE. Pertinent issues, such as challenges faced by seafarers in accessing UAE ports for repatriation, were addressed with a commitment to urgent resolution by the UAE ministry.
In particular, re-skilling, up-skilling, and de-skilling strategies in training initiatives. Traditional learning programs should be supplemented with digital platforms like e-learning and online systems. Educational curricula must be tailored to cultivate a proficient and technically adept workforce.
Why Needed Skilled Manpower?
A proficient and well-trained workforce plays a pivotal role in fortifying domestic industries. Skilled employees are instrumental in optimizing business operations, leading to heightened productivity and business expansion. By cultivating a reservoir of skilled manpower, Bangladesh can elevate the competitiveness of its industries, allure foreign investments, and stimulate economic advancement.
In today’s interconnected and globalized landscape, the presence of a skilled workforce is imperative for a nation’s competitive edge. Competent manpower empowers countries to engage more effectively in the global market. Proficient professionals capable of meeting international standards facilitate participation in global trade, bolstering export performance and reinforcing the country’s economic standing. Despite the abundance of human resources, skill gaps and shortages persist in specific sectors. Identifying these gaps is essential for targeted skill development programs to ensure a versatile workforce that aligns with the evolving demands of the economy.
An Overview of UAE-Bangladesh Relations
Bangladesh is a significant source of skilled and semi-skilled labor for the UAE as they are engaged in the construction, hospitality, and domestic sectors. According to the statistics, the UAE received about 57,988 workers from Bangladesh in the first half of 2022. The UAE’s demand for manpower has led to substantial opportunities for Bangladeshi workers, contributing to both countries’ economies.
The relationship between UAE and Bangladesh encompasses various dimensions, from economic cooperation to cultural exchange and diplomatic collaboration, fostering mutual growth and understanding.
Economic Partnership:
Bangladesh exports garments, textiles, and agricultural products to the UAE, while the UAE provides significant investments in Bangladesh’s infrastructure, energy, and real estate sectors. This has created a thriving economic partnership that reached substantial heights at $1.8 billion in 2023.
Development Assistance:
The UAE has been a crucial development partner for Bangladesh, providing aid in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and disaster management. This assistance has helped Bangladesh in its socio-economic development endeavors to many extents and strengthened the bond between the two nations, the UAE development assistance to Bangladesh has totaled $3 billion over the past decade.
