MM Rahmatullah: Bangladesh and Italy have stepped up efforts to promote safe, regular and skills-based labour migration, with a new pre-departure training initiative aimed at preparing Bangladeshi workers for employment and better integration into Italian society.

The initiative, titled “Language, Civic and Professional Training for Skilled Migration to Italy,” was presented at a programme held at Dhaka Regency Hotel in the capital on Tuesday (November 3), bringing together senior government officials, Italian diplomats, representatives of international organisations, private-sector partners, trainees and media personnel.

Dr Mahdi Amin, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh with the rank of State Minister, attended the programme as the chief guest.

The Ambassador of Italy to Bangladesh delivered the welcome address, highlighting the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two countries in labour migration, skills development and human resource mobility.

Dr Laura Nicole Tomm-Bonde, Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Bangladesh; Mr Gunjam Dallakoti, Head of Programme of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Bangladesh; and Dr ASM Fazlur Rahman, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates` Welfare and Overseas Employment were attended among the speakers.  

The programme focused on the new pre-departure training projects for Bangladeshi workers seeking employment in Italy under Article 23 of the Italian Migration Law. The projects are designed to equip prospective migrant workers with Italian language skills, civic knowledge and professional competencies before they leave Bangladesh.

Speakers discussed the outcomes of the first initiatives of this kind implemented in Bangladesh and underlined how proper preparation could help migrant workers adjust to their workplaces, understand local laws and become familiar with Italian society and culture.

A key focus was the importance of Italian language proficiency in ensuring effective communication, improving workplace performance and facilitating social integration. Participants noted that language training should be considered an essential part of preparing workers for overseas employment rather than an additional qualification.

The programme also provided an opportunity to discuss the legal procedures and requirements for migrating to Italy. A migration specialist answered questions from participants about the lawful migration process, relevant rules and procedures, and the importance of following official channels when seeking overseas employment.

The discussions were particularly relevant at a time when ensuring safe, orderly and regular migration remains a major priority for Bangladesh, one of the world`s important labour-sending countries.

Representatives of the Italian and Bangladeshi private sectors involved in the ongoing training projects also attended the event. A number of prospective migrant workers, who are currently undergoing training for employment in Italy, were present, particularly from the hospitality and textile sectors.

Their participation offered an opportunity to demonstrate how language education and occupation-specific training can help prepare Bangladeshi workers for the requirements of the Italian labour market.

Distinguished guests, representatives of relevant institutions, media professionals and other stakeholders also attended the programme.

The initiative reflects a broader effort to make labour migration more organised, transparent and skills-oriented by connecting training in Bangladesh with the actual requirements of overseas employers.

For Bangladesh, the benefits of such an approach could extend beyond increasing overseas employment opportunities. Workers equipped with appropriate skills and language proficiency are better positioned to secure suitable jobs, protect their rights, avoid exploitation and contribute more effectively to their host country`s economy.

As Bangladesh and Italy seek to deepen their bilateral engagement, the new training initiative could serve as an important model for developing a more qualified workforce and promoting mutually beneficial labour migration.