Launch of ‘Supporting a Talent Partnership with Bangladesh’ project

Launch of 'Supporting a Talent Partnership with Bangladesh' project

"The EU-Bangladesh Talent Partnership has been designed to be transformative and win-win. It will ensure safe and dignified migration, including the respect of human rights. In parallel to the creation of legal pathways for migration, we must ensure smooth returns and reintegration, step up work to end irregular migration and tackle the scourge of trafficking and exploitation". - Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh

Bangladesh, with over 7.4 million migrant workers contributing to the global labour market, is a vital player in international manpower. Yet, challenges such as skills gaps and limited labour migration governance in Bangladesh persist. At the same time, EU Member States face growing workforce shortages across critical sectors, increasing the demand for skilled labour.

To address these pressing challenges, the European Union, the Government of Bangladesh, and the International Labour Organization have launched the Talent Partnership project-a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bridging these gaps.

Spanning from 2024 to 2027, the "Supporting a Talent Partnership with Bangladesh" project is part of the EU's Global Talent Partnership Programme, as outlined in the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum (2024). This initiative represents a holistic collaboration between the EU and its partner countries to ensure mutually beneficial migration pathways.

Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, remarked, "The EU-Bangladesh Talent Partnership has been designed to be transformative and win-win. It will ensure safe and dignified migration, including the respect of human rights. In parallel to the creation of legal pathways for migration, we must ensure smooth returns and reintegration, step up work to end irregular migration and tackle the scourge of trafficking and exploitation".

Building on the foundation of the ILO's Skills 21 project, the Talent Partnership will align Bangladeshi workers' skills and qualifications with EU labour market standards. It also aims to upskill workers to meet the needs of high-demand sectors such as healthcare, engineering, ICT, care, hospitality, construction, and agriculture.

This transformative initiative not only addresses the EU's labour shortages but also opens up safer, more dignified migration pathways for Bangladeshi workers, fostering a partnership built on opportunity, respect, and growth.

A triple-win for Bangladesh, the EU and migrant workers!

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