UN, Bangladesh Urge Stronger Maldives Cooperation on Migrant Worker Rights

Bangladesh and the United Nations stressed the need for strengthened cooperation with Maldives to enhance the rights, security and welfare of immigrant workers, who are predominantly Bangladeshi, in the island nation.

A meeting was held in Malé on Monday between UN Resident Coordinator in Maldives Hao Zhang and Bangladesh High Commissioner Dr. Md. Nazmul Islam.

During the discussion, both officials prioritized expanding the existing collaboration among the UN, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. A key focus was placed on safeguarding migrant workers and ensuring their access to essential services and legal protection.

The UN Resident Coordinator briefed the High Commissioner on current UN activities in the Maldives, priority sectors, and efforts to improve the utilisation of resources in a manner that supports migrant workers' welfare and rights as a key UN priority.

High Commissioner Nazmul Islam thanked the UNRC for its supportive role in promoting the rights, healthcare and basic needs of expatriate Bangladeshi workers. 

He noted that Bangladeshi migrants adapt quickly to Maldivian culture and language and have made significant contributions to the island nation's economy and development.
    
He highlighted opportunities for Maldivian medical graduates to undertake internships in Bangladesh and reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to working with Maldivian authorities in strengthening public health, labour rights and human resource development.

The High Commissioner also proposed organising joint seminars and programmes on labour rights, public health and other key issues in partnership with the UN, the Maldivian government and the Bangladesh High Commission. 

The UNRC welcomed the proposal and said the IOM would be encouraged to prepare an enhanced framework for protecting migrant workers' rights in the Maldives.

Both sides also acknowledged the possibility of deeper cooperation between IOM Bangladesh and IOM Maldives to improve safe migration and monitoring mechanisms, further reinforcing the tripartite structure.

They expressed confidence that joint initiatives of the UN, Bangladesh and Maldives would advance peace, human protection, migrant welfare and sustainable development in the region.