Dhaka, May 06 (V7N) – Italy is keen to recruit more Bangladeshi workers and will take proactive steps to ensure safe and legal migration, visiting Italian Home Minister Matteo Piantedossi said during a meeting with Principal Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus at the Jamuna State Guest House in Dhaka on Monday (May 5).

In their discussion, the two sides addressed a range of mutual concerns, including:

  • Safe and orderly migration of Bangladeshi workers to Italy,

  • Combating human trafficking and organized crime, and

  • Boosting bilateral trade and investment.

The Italian minister revealed that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni may visit Bangladesh before September as part of Italy’s desire to "renew and revitalize" its cooperation with Dhaka.

“We are very pleased with the Bangladeshi community in Italy. They are young, hardworking, and have successfully integrated into our society,” Piantedossi said. “Italy needs more citizens like them, but we want them to come through legal channels. Uncontrolled migration by sea is a serious concern for Italy.”

He emphasized Italy’s willingness to work closely with Bangladesh to curb illegal migration, highlighting that many Bangladeshis risk their lives attempting dangerous sea crossings. “We are here with a new proposal for cooperation,” he added.

In response, Professor Muhammad Yunus stated that Bangladesh is committed to working with Italy to prevent illegal migration and dismantle human trafficking networks. “The Bangladeshi diaspora in Italy is grateful for the opportunities and respect they receive,” he noted.

The Principal Advisor also stressed that traffickers and international criminal networks are responsible for misleading and exploiting migrants. “The migrants are often victims, not the perpetrators,” he said.

Recalling his earlier meeting with the Italian Prime Minister during the UN General Assembly in New York last year, Professor Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s readiness to deepen collaboration on migration and labor issues.

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