In an effort to prevent fraud, human trafficking, and exploitation under the guise of overseas employment, the government has imposed strict restrictions on sending workers to 12 countries.

From now on, immigration clearances will not be issued to Bangladeshi workers intending to travel to these destinations for work without prior approval from the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment.

The directive was issued in a letter from the ministry on Wednesday (November 4). On the same day, the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) informed its member recruiting agencies about the instructions through an official notice.

The 12 countries covered under this directive are Serbia, Moldova, Belarus, Congo, Russia, Japan, Iraq, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Ukraine, and Libya.

The ministry and BAIRA stated that showing employment opportunities in these countries poses severe risks of fraud, trafficking, and exploitation for Bangladeshis.

Notably, alarming reports have emerged of Bangladeshis being lured with job offers to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, only to be held captive in online international scam compounds, where they are allegedly forced into fraudulent operations.

Additionally, many Bangladeshis have already suffered torture and exploitation after traveling to these countries.

Under these circumstances, to ensure the safety of migrant workers, the government has tightened the approval and immigration clearance procedures for worker recruitment to these destinations.

In light of the new directive, authorities have advised individuals intending to work in these countries to exercise extreme caution.

Aspiring workers have been urged not to engage in financial transactions with any recruiting agency, individual, or broker before securing final approval from the ministry and obtaining a valid immigration clearance card from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET).

Furthermore, the authorities have cautioned the public against misleading job offers promoted on social media promising overly attractive terms abroad.