Abide by laws of host countries

Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Imran Ahmad. File photo

Expatriates' Welfare Minister Imran Ahmad yesterday urged Bangladeshi migrant workers to abide by laws of the host countries.

"If anyone is caught for wrongdoing then we can't do anything from our end," he said.

He urged migrant workers to not violate their job contracts, saying they can renew their contracts if the initial one gets expired.

He was addressing a pre-departure orientation session of Romania-bound fresh migrant workers at the Probashi Kalyan Bhaban organised by Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (Boesl).

He said they have been trying to sign deals on labour cooperation with different countries especially in Europe. Bangladesh has already signed a memorandum of understanding with Greece in this regard.

This will ensure migration through legal channel even if the number of workers remain low. Besides, workers will not have to face challenges if they migrate legally, he added.

Boesl Managing Director Mallick Anwar Hossain said 30 migrant workers will initially fly to Romania in two groups on Wednesday and Thursday. They will be hired by Romanian company Sonoma Sports Wear.

He said Boesl has signed a tripartite deal involving Sonoma Sports Wear and Bangladeshi company Europa Fashion Bangladesh in this regard.

Visas for 102 workers have been issued so far while flight date for the other workers will be known soon, he added.

According to Boesl, the Romanian company will hire sewing machine operators, cutting operators, factory managers and textile engineers from Bangladesh.

Their monthly wage will be between $400-$5,000 ,while the workers will have to pay about Tk 2.31 lakh each including airfare for migration.