Bangladeshi workers overseas employment has a long history, with people moving across the Bengal delta for centuries. Today, labor migration continues to play a vital role in the country’s economy, with around 500,000 Bangladeshis leaving each year to work abroad. In 2022, a record 1.3 million workers were sent overseas, with the majority in low-skilled jobs across the Middle East and Southeast Asia. These workers send home significant remittances, which help improve the economic conditions of their families and contribute to Bangladesh’s GDP.
Despite the large numbers, Bangladesh has struggled to tap into the high-paying skilled labor markets in first-world countries. While countries like the Philippines and India have successfully trained workers for skilled positions, many Bangladeshis remain in low-paying jobs. The average monthly remittance sent by a Bangladeshi worker is just $203.33, far lower than the $564.10 sent by Filipino workers.
However, global demand for skilled labor, especially in healthcare, engineering, and IT, presents an opportunity for Bangladesh. NeXgen Global Group can help address this challenge by offering upskilling programs, language training, and digital intelligence courses. They are connecting Bangladeshi talent with global opportunities by equipping the workers with the skills needed for higher-paying jobs. Also, NeXgen can help increase their earning potential and boost the country’s economy through greater remittances. Strategic partnerships with international organisations could further support this shift, enabling more Bangladeshis to access skilled labor markets in Europe and North America.
Why Bangladeshi Workers Are in High Demand
Bangladeshi workers are highly sought after in various developed countries, including Australia, Singapore, and the Middle East. Known for their strong work ethic, adaptability, and willingness to work across multiple sectors, they have built a solid reputation globally. Their ability to adjust to different work environments, along with resilience, makes them valuable assets in industries like construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and services.
A key reason for their demand lies in their vocational and technical skills. Many Bangladeshi workers excel in trades like plumbing, carpentry, welding, and mechanical engineering. According to the Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training (BMET), about 50% of Bangladeshi workers abroad are in low-skilled jobs, but with growing emphasis on vocational training, more are transitioning to skilled professions. The National Skills Development Policy 2011 was introduced to help workers gain recognised certifications, making them more competitive in the global job market.
Another advantage Bangladeshi workforce in developed countries offer is their improving linguistic abilities, especially in English and Arabic. While 52% of migrant workers face language barriers, the Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment has launched programs to provide better language training, further boosting their employability.
Success Stories
The impact of Bangladeshi workers overseas employment goes beyond their hard work. In 2023, they sent $23 billion in remittances, making Bangladesh the seventh-largest remittance-receiving country globally, according to the World Bank. Because of International jobs for Bangladeshis, these remittances support millions of families and contribute to the nation’s economy.
Bangladeshi workers have excelled in sectors such as healthcare, construction, and IT. For instance, Bangladeshi nurses are in high demand in countries like Australia, the UK, and Canada due to their dedication to patient care. Similarly, Bangladeshi engineers and construction managers have contributed to major infrastructure projects in the Middle East and Australia.
In the IT sector, Bangladeshi software engineers have found success in reputable companies in Europe, Australia, and the USA. Their strong educational backgrounds and expertise in modern technologies make them valuable in a growing tech industry.
Opportunities in First-World Countries
Employment opportunities in first world countries for Bangladeshis offer many advantages, especially as their labor force ages. Countries like Australia provide pathways for skilled workers through migration visas such as the Skilled Independent Visa and Skilled Nominated Visa. In 2023, over 6,350 Bangladeshis migrated to Australia, working in fields like IT, engineering, and healthcare.
Even without formal degrees, Bangladeshi workers can secure jobs as caregivers, chefs, and service workers, ensuring a steady income for themselves and their families back home.
Challenges
Bangladeshi workers face several significant challenges when trying to secure jobs abroad, starting with the strict visa requirements imposed by many destination countries. The visa process is often lengthy, complicated, and expensive, making it difficult for many workers to get the necessary documents. Unfortunately, fraud by intermediaries also adds to the difficulties, especially for low-skilled workers. According to a 2023 report by the Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training (BMET), more than 95% of overseas Bangladeshi workers are employed in just ten countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Malaysia. However, even in these popular destinations, navigating visa procedures remains a big hurdle.
Language and cultural differences also pose challenges for Bangladeshi workers abroad. Many workers lack proficiency in the language of the host country, making it hard for them to communicate with employers, negotiate wages, or access essential services like healthcare. A study by the Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment revealed that 52% of migrant workers reported language barriers as a major problem. This is particularly true in the Gulf states, where poor language skills can lead to isolation and exploitation.
The Skills Gap
Another challenge is the gap between the skills Bangladeshi workers have and what the global job market demands. In 2022, BMET reported that only 25% of the 1.3 million workers who went abroad were considered skilled, while 50% were unskilled. As a result, many Bangladeshi workers in international jobs for Bangladeshis end up in low-paying jobs. The average monthly remittance from Bangladeshi workers is just $203.33, much lower than the $564.1 sent by Filipino workers. The issue lies in the outdated training programs offered at the 110 technical training centers across Bangladesh, which have not kept up with global market demands. Although the government has plans to address this through the Eighth Five-Year Plan, progress has been slow.
NeXgen Global is helping bridge this gap by offering specialized vocational training, digital skills, and recruitment services tailored to global job markets. They partner with training centers in Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Vietnam, ensuring workers are prepared with job-specific skills, language proficiency, and cultural knowledge. NeXgen also connects Bangladeshi workers with industries like healthcare, technology, and construction, helping them secure better-paying jobs and thrive abroad.
Pathways to Employment
Bangladesh’s economic growth has positioned the country as a key player in the global labor market. However, to successfully tap into job opportunities in developed countries, it is essential for Bangladeshi workers to enhance their skills and qualifications through targeted vocational training and certifications. This article explores the key sectors where Bangladeshi workers are in demand, the available training opportunities, and practical tips for securing jobs in developed nations.
Key Sectors
Several industries in developed countries actively seek skilled workers from Bangladesh. These sectors offer well-paying jobs with significant opportunities for growth.
The healthcare, IT, construction, and manufacturing sectors offer promising opportunities for Bangladeshi workers globally. With a projected shortage of 4.5 million nurses by 2030, countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Germany are actively seeking healthcare professionals, including nurses and midwives. Similarly, the IT sector is booming, with an expected global shortage of 85 million tech workers by 2030. Skilled Bangladeshi professionals in software development, web development, and cybersecurity can find jobs in countries like the US, Germany, Canada, and Australia.
Skilled trades, such as plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry, are also in demand, especially in places like Australia, Canada, and the UK, which face aging workforces. Additionally, advanced manufacturing sectors in countries like Germany, Japan, and South Korea are looking for skilled workers, offering opportunities for Bangladeshi professionals beyond traditional textile manufacturing.
Vocational Training & Other Certification
To meet global employer demands, vocational training and certification programs are crucial for Bangladeshi workers. Various institutions are helping workers gain the skills needed for international success.
- Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET): TVET programs in Bangladesh offer hands-on training in areas like healthcare, IT, and skilled trades. Institutes such as Ahsania Mission Vocational Training and the Bureau of Manpower Employment & Training (BMET) run programs aligned with international standards. BMET’s 37 Technical Training Centers (TTCs) focus on in-demand skills like electrical work and healthcare.
- International Certifications: Certifications like Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) help Bangladeshi workers secure jobs in developed countries.
- Language and Soft Skills: English proficiency and soft skills are essential for success abroad. Many training programs now include language training to help workers thrive in international workplaces.
Tips & Tricks
Acquiring the necessary skills and certifications is the first step, but there are other strategies that can increase the chances of securing a job in developed nations.
- Tailor Your Resume to International Standards: A well-organised resume that highlights your skills, certifications, and achievements is key. Using global resume formats, like those from Harvard, can make a big difference.
- Leverage Online Job Platforms: Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor list jobs worldwide. Build a professional profile, connect with experts, and stay updated on openings to increase your chances.
- Utilize Government and Private Programs: The Bangladeshi government’s Expatriates’ Welfare Ministry offers job placement and visa support for Bangladeshi workers overseas employment. Private recruitment agencies can also connect you to opportunities in developed nations.
- Pursue Remote Jobs: With remote work on the rise, many professionals can now work for international companies without relocating. IT, digital marketing, and design are fields that offer remote roles with good pay.
- Focus on High-Demand Sectors: Research industries facing worker shortages, such as healthcare, IT, and skilled trades. These sectors are actively recruiting and offer better opportunities.
The Role of NeXgen Global Group
NeXgen Global is transforming the job market by connecting skilled workers from Bangladesh with employment opportunities in first world countries facing significant skill shortages. Operating across three key sectors—Education, Digital Intelligence, and Global Talent Recruitment—NeXgen creates a vital link between Bangladesh’s growing workforce and high-demand industries like healthcare, technology, and engineering in countries such as Australia, the UK, and Canada.
By sourcing, training, and placing Bangladeshi talent, NeXgen Global addresses both Bangladesh’s increasing labor demands and the critical shortages in developed nations. For example, in 2023, the Australian government reported a 36% national shortage in occupations, particularly in healthcare, technology, and engineering. NeXgen matches these needs by equipping Bangladeshi workers with the necessary skills and facilitating their smooth transition into well-paying roles abroad.
NeXgen Global provides comprehensive support to ensure successful job placements, offering services like:
- Job Matching through its sister company, Global Talent Connect, aligning candidates’ skills with in-demand roles.
- Pre-Deployment Training in job-specific skills, workplace etiquette, cultural adaptation, and language proficiency.
- Visa Assistance for navigating complex visa processes, including support for Australia’s 482 visa program.
- Post-Employment Support with career counseling and upskilling programs to help workers stay competitive in global markets.
Using AI and data analytics, NeXgen optimises job matching and streamlines the recruitment process, resulting in quicker placements and better job satisfaction. With over 5,000 international graduates and numerous successful government programs, NeXgen Global is reducing unemployment in Bangladesh while helping first-world countries meet their labor needs.
Impact on Economy
Overseas employment has been a key factor in boosting Bangladesh’s economy, offering jobs to millions of its citizens. Both skilled and unskilled Bangladeshi workers overseas employment migrate to countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Malaysia, and Singapore, where they find work in construction, manufacturing, and services. This migration reduces unemployment at home and provides a lifeline for rural communities. The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) states that between 2015 and 2018, around 62% of these workers came from rural areas, showing how vital international jobs for Bangladeshis are to the rural economy.
One of the biggest contributions of Bangladeshi workforce in developed countries is the remittances they send back. These remittances are a crucial source of foreign currency, providing financial stability for Bangladesh. In 2023 alone, the country received $21.9 billion in remittances, making up about 6% of the GDP. These funds help families meet essential needs like food, education, and healthcare. Around 28% is invested in small businesses and agriculture, which further strengthens local economies, particularly in rural areas. Investments in modern farming equipment, for example, help increase productivity, contributing to poverty reduction and rural development.
The benefits of overseas employment go beyond the immediate financial gains. Many returning migrants bring back new skills and knowledge, which they use to start businesses or improve their living standards. More women are also joining the global workforce, leading to greater financial independence and social change within families. The government is also working to diversify labor markets and encourage skilled migration, which could lead to even higher remittance earnings and a more resilient economy in the long term.
Overall, the contributions of Bangladeshi workers overseas have had a lasting impact on both individual families and the national economy, driving growth and development across the country.
Connecting Bangladeshi talent with global opportunities is a crucial step for both individual growth and the nation’s economy. As global demand for skilled labor rises in sectors like healthcare, IT, and construction, it’s important for Bangladesh to upskill its workforce and align with international standards. By working abroad, especially in nations facing labor shortages, Bangladeshi workers can secure higher-paying jobs, uplift their careers, and contribute more through remittances.
NeXgen Global is here to help. They offer support with job matching, visa processing, and skills training, ensuring you’re ready for opportunities in countries like Australia, where skilled workers are needed. Let NeXgen guide you to international career success.