BY Azlan Othman

There are still many glaring examples of labour law violations despite enforcement efforts from the authorities, said High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Brunei Darussalam Nahida Rahman Shumona on Wednesday.

“We must ensure our citizens are not subjected to indignity, exploitation, coercion and hazardous work conditions anywhere,” said the high commissioner during a briefing with around 45 employment agencies on Bangladesh’s latest migration policy.

“Bangladesh strives to ensure that Bangladeshi nationals have a decent and dignified work environment in Brunei,” she said.

The high commissioner reiterated her government’s commitment to curbing labour exploitation and human trafficking, adding that, “Whichever entities recruiting our nationals, should treat our citizens well and respect their fundamental human rights.”

Bangladesh High Commission in Brunei Darussalam’s Counsellor (Labour) Jelal Hossain outlined new, upcoming standard operating procedures (SOPs) for recruiting human resources from Bangladesh, which requires employment agencies as well as employers to comply with a set of terms and conditions. The high commission plans to implement the SOPs as soon as possible.

Under the new procedures, no employer can get workers from Bangladesh without going through employment agencies registered with the high commission. It also forbids employers to use their existing workers as manpower brokers and visa traders.

The counsellor said companies wanting to recruit workers from Bangladesh must also bear the expenses of visa and air tickets.

He said employment agencies in Brunei Darussalam and Bangladesh also have specific responsibilities until the expatriate workers return home.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin