James Kon
The Bangladeshi High Commission in Brunei Darussalam recently organised a webinar titled ‘Issues Related to Migrant Workers in Brunei’ to help Bangladesh nationals working in the Sultanate.
Brunei is a popular destination for migrant workers from Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines and other Asian nations.
The webinar hosted by Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Nahida Rahman Shumona and moderated by Counsellor (Labour) and Head of Chancery Jelal Hossain saw participation by experts and analysts from Bangladesh and Brunei sharing their experience, expertise and policy recommendations.
Bangladesh National Parliament’s Secretary General of Parliamentarians’ Caucus on Migration & Development Mahjabeen Khaled was the guest of honour. She was accompanied by economic affairs analyst Md Mazadul Hoque and migration activist Aminul Haque from Bangladesh.
Legal expert on migration affairs Yusuf Halim, Abdul Haziq Rudiman, Yong Hong Jun and Nurul Amalina Shakinah binti Haji Jainal represented Brunei.
PHOTO: BANGLADESH HIGH COMMISSION
Mahjabeen Khaled highlighted the conditions and incentives driving migrant workers to seek employment in Brunei Darussalam. She also touched on the formation of Parliamentarians’ Caucus on Migration & Development, budget shortage, policy loopholes and the problems of going through middlemen.
Social Media and Outreach Programme Assistant of Bangladesh High Commission Nurul Amalina Shakinah delivered a presentation on ‘Relevant Labour Laws of Brunei’.
Acknowledging migrant workers’ trials and tribulations, Yusuf Halim shared his views on legal issues faced by them. He identified the lack of language and communication skills and the over-reliance on authorities as two major problems suffered by Bangladeshi workers.
Md Mazadul Hoque gave an account of Brunei’s labour market as well as the history and present status of Bangladeshi migrant workers in the Sultanate. He also put forward some policy recommendations.
Aminul Haque focussed on the welfare of migrant workers in Brunei and stressed the need for their proper re-integration into the society once they return to Bangladesh.
The high commissioner underscored the necessity and importance of addressing migrant worker issues. She conveyed that all Bangladeshi workers were vaccinated and informed about her initiative of developing a database of all migrant workers in Brunei. The diplomat also expressed her support and commitment towards improving the conditions of the Bangladeshi workers in the Sultanate.
