Bangladesh, Japan sign deal allowing workers to start 1 April
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Bangladesh and Japan signed the “Memorandum of Cooperation on Employment Skills Development” (ESDP-MOC), enabling Bangladeshi workers to travel to Japan starting 1 April.
Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Public Relations Officer Md Shariful Islam confirmed the matter in a press release on Monday.
Earlier on Saturday, the secretary of the ministry, alongside representatives from Japan’s Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and National Police Agency on behalf of Japan, signed the deal.
Officials from the ministry said the agreement marks a major milestone in expanding overseas employment. Both nations will officially exchange copies of the agreement during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to Japan.
The press release added that the contract carries an initial tenure of 5 years, which will automatically extend for another 5 years upon expiration, bringing the overall duration to 10 years.
Highlighting the primary benefits of the deal, Expatriates’ Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury said authorities will ensure maximum protection for workers while strengthening bilateral cooperation in sending and receiving personnel. Employment will foster skill development among Bangladeshi citizens, enabling workers to secure higher salaries and long-term residency opportunities in Japan.
The minister added that under this agreement, workers will receive legal protections equal to local Japanese workers, and men and women will enjoy equal opportunities in the workplace.
Ariful noted that foreign female workers must not face any form of dismissal or discriminatory treatment due to pregnancy or childbirth. No mandatory provision has been kept in this agreement to forcibly repatriate workers due to pregnancy or childbearing.
