Japanese delegation briefs Yunus on recruitment plan of 100,000 worker over five years

The delegation says the plan will be executed with recruitment of 2,000 workers next year

A high-level Japanese delegation has presented the progress in recruiting 100,000 skilled Bangladeshi workers to Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.

The 23-member delegation from the National Business Support Combined Cooperatives (NBCC) met Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Sunday afternoon, the Chief Advisor’s Office (CAO) said in a statement.

NBCC, comprising over 65 companies, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the interim government.

Under the agreement, more than 100,000 Bangladeshi workers will be recruited over the next five years through the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) and Specified Skilled Workers (SSWO) programmes.

The delegation said the first phase will see 2,000 workers recruited next year, followed by 6,000 in 2027, and 18,000 in 2028.

The delegation listed construction, services, aviation, garments, and agriculture as the sectors with the highest demand for skilled workers.

During the meeting, Yunus inquired about any gaps in worker training. NBCC Chairman Mikio Kesagayama said, “I was surprised to see the progress made in seven months.

“We are very satisfied with the training and optimistic about recruiting 2,000 skilled workers next year.”

He said trainers’ language skills could be improved. Yunus suggested virtual classes conducted by Japanese teachers or bringing trainers from Japan for in-person training.

He also highlighted the potential of the caregiving sector for women in Bangladesh.

He said, “Although it may seem challenging at first, once Bangladeshi girls are trained, they will be able to train others. Their success will encourage more participants.”

NBCC representatives said Japan will need over 400,000 skilled nurses in the coming years and may consider recruiting them from Bangladesh.

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Advisor Asif Nazrul said the government is regularly monitoring progress in recruiting workers for Japan and will prepare a specific action plan.

He also highlighted that a dedicated cell has been formed to address issues related to recruiting Bangladeshi workers in Japan.