Doubling of incentive on inward remittance proposed: minister
A proposal has been sent to the finance minister to double the existing two percent incentive for inward remittance, said Expatriates Welfare Minister Imran Ahmad yesterday.
Besides, a proposal was made for "forced savings" regarding social security of migrant workers for which the government do not have to invest, he said.
"We have proposed this. If accepted, it will be a strength for our workers," he added.
The minister was addressing a virtual launching ceremony of the mobile-based application "Ami Probashi".
The government introduced a 2 percent cash incentive for the remittances sent through legal channels in the last fiscal year. Soon, remittances started to increase.
In 2019-2020 fiscal, migrant workers sent home about US$18.2 billion in remittance whereas it stood at about US$ 20.66 billion as of April in the ongoing fiscal, showed Bangladesh Bank data.
Addressing the ceremony as chief guest, Imran Ahmad stressed the need for bringing recruiting agencies online under one platform to ensure transparency in the sector.
"Anything to do with the migrant workers, it should be online on one platform," he said.
He also said they have discussed within the ministry to change the job tittle of labour welfare counsellor to "welfare counsellor" or "welfare officer" at different Bangladesh mission offices to bring Bangladeshi professionals working in different countries in a single fold with the migrant workers.
Moreover, the ministry is planning to introduce mobile financial service (MFS) at the Probashi Kalyan Bank, he added.
Praising the launch of "Ami Probashi", he said the app can play an important role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the sector.
Addressing the ceremony as special guest, Ahmad Kaikaus, principal secretary to the prime minister, said manpower export is one of the main sectors in the country.
Remittance sent by expatriates have significant contribution in the country's economy and development, he said.
It is necessary to look into remittance sent by them are being utilised, he said, hoping the app's introduction will help achieve targets in the migration sector.
Using the app in smartphone, an aspirant migrant worker will be able to get registered with the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training, said Secretary Ahmed Munirus Saleheen of Expatriates' Welfare Ministry.
BMET Director General Shamsul Alam, among others, spoke at the launching ceremony.
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