A one-stop info service for migrant workers

The International Organization for Migration yesterday launched an online platform for migrant workers that provides information on safe migration, sustainable reintegration, and remittance management.

A smartphone application -- bdeshjaatra-- is available for download from Google Play store. Besides, users will be able to use it via web on www.bdeshjaatra.com.

The application, developed in Bangla language, provides information on all stages of the migration-cycle, including pre-decision, pre-departure, migration, and return.

It can also be used in low data usage mode.

The app was developed under the European Union-funded project "Bangladesh: Sustainable Reintegration and Improved Migration Governance (Prottasha)" implemented by IOM in partnership with Brac under the leadership of Bangladesh government.

It is hosted by bdjobs, Bangladesh's largest job site.

IOM Bangladesh formally launched the platform in a virtual ceremony.

Addressing the ceremony, IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission Giorgi Gigauri said the purpose of the platform is to ensure that migrants and their family members know their rights, can access to support and services inside Bangladesh and the countries of destination.

Bangladesh is a major labour-sending country and Bangladesh government is committed to ensuring welfare of migrants and promoting regular migration, said Giorgi.

He said both governmental and non-governmental organisations are working to promote safe and orderly migration practices and ensuring access to correct and authentic information on migration process, remittance management and many other aspects of migration.

However, total elimination of irregular migration and human trafficking remains the major challenge in many countries including Bangladesh, he added.

In his speech, Ahmed Munirus Saleheen, secretary of the Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry, said giving potential migrants the opportunity of getting the correct and accurate information is part of a collective responsibility to ensure safe and orderly migration.

He said the ministry has been trying in different ways to disseminate information.

"Unfortunately, people are not well informed to the extent that we expect them to be informed," he added.

In this aspect, the app launch is a positive initiative, he added.

AKM Fahim Mashroor, chief executive officer of bdjobs.com, among others, addressed the ceremony.