Bangladesh and the United Nations on Monday underscored the need for stronger cooperation with the Maldives to ensure the rights, security and welfare of immigrant workers, most of whom are Bangladeshis.
The discussion took place in Malé during a meeting between UN Resident Coordinator in the Maldives Hao Zhang and Bangladesh High Commissioner Dr Md Nazmul Islam, according to a message received today.
Both sides discussed expanding ongoing collaboration among the UN, Bangladesh and the Maldives, with emphasis on safeguarding migrant workers and ensuring their access to essential services and legal protection.
The UNRC briefed the High Commissioner on the UN’s current activities in the Maldives, priority areas, and resource utilisation strategies that support migrant workers’ rights and welfare.
High Commissioner Nazmul Islam thanked the UNRC for supporting the rights, healthcare and basic needs of Bangladeshi expatriates. He said Bangladeshi workers adapt well to Maldivian society and contribute significantly to the island nation’s economy.
He also highlighted opportunities for Maldivian medical graduates to undertake internships in Bangladesh, and reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening public health, labour rights and human resource development with Maldivian authorities.
The High Commissioner proposed holding joint seminars and programmes on labour rights, public health and other key issues in partnership with the UN and Maldivian government. The UNRC welcomed the idea and said the IOM would be encouraged to develop an enhanced framework for protecting migrant workers in the Maldives.
Both sides also noted the potential for deeper cooperation between IOM Bangladesh and IOM Maldives to improve safe migration and monitoring mechanisms.
They expressed confidence that joint initiatives between the UN, Bangladesh and the Maldives would promote peace, migrant protection, welfare and sustainable development in the region.
