Closing the Skill Gap: The Key to Increasing Bangladeshi Migrant Workers' Prospects in Europe

Bangladesh is a country with a large workforce, and its workers have been a significant contributor to the economy through their remittances. In 2020, the country received USD 22.91 billion in remittances from its workers abroad, which was an increase of 33.61% from the previous year. The majority of Bangladeshi migrant workers are employed in the Middle East, but there is an increasing demand for Bangladeshi workers in Europe. In this article, we will discuss the prospects of Bangladeshi migrant workers in Europe, the required skills, the skill gap of Bangladeshi workers, ways to grab the opportunity, and steps to increase remittances by 2030.

Prospects of Bangladeshi Migrant Workers in Europe

The job market in Europe is diverse, and it offers opportunities in various sectors such as healthcare, education, construction, and hospitality. Some of the European countries that are popular among Bangladeshi workers are Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The demand for Bangladeshi migrant workers in Europe is primarily in the low-skilled and semi-skilled sectors, such as construction, agriculture, and hospitality. However, there is also a growing demand for highly skilled workers, especially in the healthcare and IT sectors. In the healthcare sector, Bangladeshi workers with a nursing background and experience are highly sought after.

Required Skills

To work in Europe, Bangladeshi workers need to have the necessary skills and qualifications that are required for the job. One of the significant skill gaps of Bangladeshi workers is the lack of English language proficiency. English is the most widely spoken language in Europe, and most jobs require proficiency in English. Therefore, Bangladeshi workers who wish to work in Europe need to improve their English language skills. They can do so by attending language classes, watching English language videos, and practicing with native speakers.

Another skill gap that needs to be addressed is the lack of vocational training in Bangladesh. Most of the Bangladeshi workers who migrate to Europe have only basic education and lack vocational training. Therefore, they need to acquire the necessary skills and training to meet the demands of the European job market.

Skills that are in demand in Europe include language proficiency, vocational training, nursing qualifications, IT qualifications, and engineering qualifications. Bangladeshi workers who possess these skills and qualifications have a higher chance of finding employment in Europe.

Skill Gap of Bangladeshi Workers

One of the significant skill gaps of Bangladeshi workers is the lack of English language proficiency. This skill gap is a significant barrier for Bangladeshi workers who wish to work in Europe. Most jobs in Europe require proficiency in English, and without it, it is challenging to find employment. Another significant skill gap is the lack of vocational training. Most Bangladeshi workers have only basic education, and they lack the necessary vocational training to meet the demands of the European job market. Therefore, they need to acquire the necessary skills and training to increase their chances of finding employment in Europe.

Way Out to Grab the Opportunity

1. Improve English language skills: Bangladeshi workers need to improve their English language skills to meet the language requirements of the European job market. They can do so by attending language classes, watching English language videos, and practicing with native speakers.
2. Acquire vocational training: Bangladeshi workers need to acquire vocational training in the areas where there is a demand in the European job market. They can do so by attending vocational training institutes or getting on-the-job training in Bangladesh.
3. Get the necessary certifications: To work in Europe, Bangladeshi workers need to get the necessary certifications and licenses required for the job they wish to do. For example, if they want to work in the healthcare sector, they need to get a nursing license.
4. Connect with recruitment agencies: Bangladeshi workers can connect with recruitment agencies that specialize in placing workers in Europe. These agencies can help them find suitable jobs and assist them with the visa and immigration process.

The demand for Bangladeshi migrant workers in Europe is growing, and this presents an opportunity for the country to increase its remittances. However, there are significant skill gaps that need to be addressed for Bangladeshi workers to succeed in Europe's job market. The lack of English language proficiency and vocational training are some of the significant skill gaps that need to be closed. To grab the opportunity in Europe, Bangladeshi workers need to improve their language skills, acquire vocational training, and get the necessary certifications.

The government of Bangladesh needs to take steps to address the skill gaps and prepare its workforce for the European job market. This can be achieved by investing in vocational training programs and providing language classes to improve workers' English language skills. Additionally, the government should also work to ensure that the certifications obtained by workers in Bangladesh are recognized in Europe.

Increasing remittances by 2030 will require concerted efforts from both the government and the private sector. The government should work to create a conducive environment for investment and business growth to create more job opportunities for Bangladeshi workers. At the same time, the private sector should invest in the necessary infrastructure to support the growth of the economy and create more job opportunities.