Dhaka, Mar 08 (V7N) –Bangladesh and Singapore on Friday discussed ways to enhance the end-to-end journey of prospective workers, reduce costs, and improve transparency in the process.

 

Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, paid a courtesy call on Singapore’s minister of manpower, Dr Tan See Leng, at his office in Singapore, where they discussed these issues.

Siddiqi expressed gratitude for Singapore’s professional and compassionate approach to migrant workers, particularly in the provision of healthcare.

In response, Dr Tan acknowledged the significant contributions of migrant workers, including Bangladeshis in the construction sector.

Siddiqi also updated Dr Tan, who serves as Singapore’s second minister for trade and industry, on the progress of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the two countries.

He expressed hope that the agreement would open opportunities for Bangladeshi talent across a broader range of skills and sectors.

Earlier, Special Envoy Siddiqi inaugurated a new online attestation service for In-Principle Approvals (IPAs) at the Bangladesh High Commission in Singapore.

IPAs are preliminary work permits issued by the Singapore government. As part of the recruitment process, Bangladesh requires that IPAs be reviewed and approved by a competent officer at its mission.

Previously, prospective employers and their agents faced the administrative burden of physically visiting the Bangladesh mission to complete this process. With the introduction of the new online system, the entire process can now be completed remotely.

During a meeting with representatives of Bangladeshi workers in Singapore, Siddiqi committed to addressing their concerns, according to the chief adviser’s press wing.

Subsequently, an inter-ministerial group—including the secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and the Bangladesh high commissioner in Singapore—ensured that the long-delayed online attestation service, stalled for several years, was implemented within weeks.

“Both Chief Adviser Professor Yunus and Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul have identified the welfare of migrant workers as a key priority of this government,” said Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi.

“We are working to improve the airport experience and passport services, monitor airfares, and be more responsive to migrant workers’ concerns. While much remains to be done, it is encouraging to see some positive results,” he added.

END/MSS/AJ