Dhaka urges expanded legal migration opportunities as Brussels outlines initiative to curb irregular migration
DHAKA, October 12, 2026: Bangladesh and the European Union have agreed to strengthen cooperation on migration management, with Dhaka calling for expanded opportunities for skilled workers and professionals to access European labour markets through regular migration channels.
The issue was discussed when EU Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs Magnus Brunner paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Monday. EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller was also present.
During the meeting, Shama urged the EU and its member states to establish practical, demand-driven and results-oriented mobility corridors for Bangladeshi skilled workers and professionals, saying expanded legal pathways could encourage regular migration.
She reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to safe, orderly and regular migration and highlighted the government's adoption of the National Action Plan (NAP) 2026–2030 to implement the objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), according to a foreign ministry press release.
The discussions also covered migrant returns, human trafficking and migrant smuggling, reflecting shared concerns over the management of migration and the prevention of irregular movement.
Brunner presented the EU's Eastern Corridor Initiative, which aims to combat irregular migration to the bloc through engagement with countries of origin and transit, as well as other relevant stakeholders.
Bangladesh expressed its willingness to cooperate with the initiative. Shama briefed the EU commissioner on measures being taken by the government to prevent irregular migration, including efforts to address document fraud and dismantle criminal networks involved in facilitating unlawful movement.
The state minister also stressed the need to address the root causes of irregular migration, alongside creating accessible and credible pathways for legal migration.
Both sides recognised the importance of coordinated action and agreed to strengthen cooperation on migration-related issues. They also committed to maintaining dialogue and closer engagement on shared priorities.
Beyond migration, Shama reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to strengthening its multifaceted partnership with the EU, including through expanded trade and investment cooperation.
The meeting comes as Bangladesh seeks to widen overseas employment opportunities for its workforce while promoting safe migration and tackling irregular recruitment and trafficking networks.
For Bangladesh, expanding access to European labour markets through skills-based mobility arrangements could offer an avenue to diversify overseas employment destinations
