DHAKA, Feb 1, 2026 (BSS) - Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul today called for strengthening mutual cooperation in the field of labour migration.

He stressed the joint commitment to ethical recruitment, dignified work and protecting human dignity of migrant workers.

The adviser made the call while addressing the ministerial-level meeting on the opening session of the second day of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue-2026 in Dubai today, according to a message received here.

He described the platform as a trusted and effective platform for safe, orderly and ethical labour migration.

Later, Dr Asif Nazrul met Dr Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

He said Bangladesh is one of the largest labour sending countries in the world.

Bangladeshis abroad are making significant contributions to the development of their own country, by sending remittance, as well as the economies of their destination countries, he said.

However, the adviser said, some workers are still subject to exploitation and rights violations, which can be addressed through the joint responsibility of both sending and receiving countries.

He highlighted the government's recent initiatives, including launching a complete digital overseas employment portal, strengthening pre-departure assistance and overseas welfare services, upgrading skills training to international standards, and enforcing strict laws against fraudulent recruitment.

During his meeting with the UAE's Minister of Human Resources, the Bangladesh adviser expressed deep gratitude to the UAE government for granting amnesty to 212 convicted Bangladeshi expatriates.

He held a long discussion with the UAE Minister of Human Resources on visa facilitation for Bangladeshis.

Noting that the UAE's visa restriction policy has reduced the flow of workers from Bangladesh, he said Bangladeshis abroad have faced various visa-related problems.

He sought the cooperation of the UAE Human Resources Minister to resolve all types of visa complications for Bangladeshis.

Dr Asif Nazrul held separate meetings with Pakistani Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Philippine Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac yesterday.

In these meetings, emphasis was placed on exchanging experiences in labour migration management, skill development, ethical recruitment and migrant welfare, and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The eighth ministerial meeting of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue was inaugurated yesterday, January 31, at the Intercontinental Dubai Festival City in Dubai.

Representatives of 17 member countries, senior officials and representatives of international organisations participated in it.