Government Takes Major Decisions On Manpower Export To Japan

The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment has announced a set of major decisions aimed at expanding manpower export to Japan, which is considered one of the most promising markets for Bangladeshi workers in the coming years.

The decisions were adopted at the third meeting of the ministry’s “Japan Cell” on September 3, chaired by the Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs, Lutfey Siddiqi, according to a press release issued by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Tuesday. The ministry has since conveyed the details to the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO) through an official letter.

The letter noted that initiatives will be taken to share Facebook posts quoting Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Professor Dr Asif Nazrul and the Bangladeshi Ambassador to Japan, highlighting the activities of the “Japan Cell.” These will be disseminated through the Chief Adviser’s official Facebook page.

Regarding the “Japan Desk” activities, the ministry said Japan is a highly potential labor market, citing a Japan Times report from March 30, 2024, which projected that the country could face an 11 million workforce deficit by 2040. Japan is expected to rely increasingly on foreign workers under various visa categories.

Acting on directives from Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, a comprehensive action plan has been adopted to enhance training and secure employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in Japan. Agreements have been reached with the National Business Support Cooperative Federation (NBCC), Japan Bangla Bridge Recruiting Agency Ltd (JBBRA), and Kaicom Dream Street BD Co Ltd (KDS) to facilitate this process.

Workers will be sent under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) category through NBCC, while other organizations are encouraged to prepare recruitment plans to boost the overall export of skilled manpower. The “Japan Desk” has been launched with support from the ministry, the embassies of Bangladesh and Japan, and Business World to coordinate these initiatives.

The Desk’s functions include assessing labor demand in Japan, identifying job opportunities, providing Japanese language training, organizing digital testing and data collection, ensuring coordination with Japanese agencies, and overseeing the QCS-17 Centre’s activities.

Professor Dr Asif Nazrul said, “Our manpower export goal is to create new employment opportunities and reduce poverty. Through the ‘Japan Desk,’ we believe this target can be met. Involving Japanese officials directly in the Desk’s activities will further enhance opportunities.”

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Japan stressed that Japanese authorities are now prioritizing quality over quantity by closely monitoring the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). He recommended arranging mechanical Japanese language training at Technical Training Centers (TTCs), with support from Japanese trainers.

In addition, Kaicom Dream Street BD Co Ltd (KDS) plans to expand skilled nursing services. A model campus will be developed under the KDS Group in Chattogram, offering training and Japanese language programs, significantly boosting the number of Bangladeshi workers in Japan.

NBCC and JBBRA will also jointly recruit workers in the SSW category under an expansion agreement.

Following the launch of the “Japan Desk,” several measures have been undertaken:

a) Launch of the Japan Cell’s official website (bd2japan@probashi.gov.bd) and Facebook page, sharing information on employment, language skills, visas, jobs, and salaries.
b) Creation of a dedicated email (info.japancell@probashi.gov.bd) for communication.
c) Uploading of Japanese language learning apps and OTIT resources on the Japan Cell’s Facebook page.
d) Initiatives to arrange Japanese loans for Bangladeshi language students seeking jobs in Japan.
e) Establishment of additional JLPT test centers at BUP, NSU, IUB, BKTTC, BGTTC, and APU to meet rising demand.
f) Launch of an online Japanese language training pilot program on August 14, enabling all candidates to access training.
g) Authorization for the National Skill Development Authority (NSDA) to align training standards with Japanese requirements.
h) Assignment of a university to create a database for JLPT and JFT examinees, ensuring smoother recruitment through accessible employer data.
i) Formation of a Dhaka University–led committee to standardize Japanese language education, with participation from JUAAB, Association of Japanese Language Institution, JALTAB, and BSSA.