The UN and Bangladesh discuss migrant workers’ welfare in the Maldives

In order to protect the rights, safety, and welfare of immigrant workers—the majority of whom are Bangladeshis—in the Maldives, Bangladesh and the UN today stressed increased cooperation with the Maldives.

According to a message received here today, the conversation took place on Monday during a meeting between Bangladesh High Commissioner to the Maldives Dr. Md. Nazmul Islam and UN Resident Coordinator in the Maldives Hao Zhang in Mal.
 
During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to expand ongoing collaboration among the UN, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, placing particular focus 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 utilization 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, labor rights, and human resource development.

The High Commissioner also proposed organizing joint seminars and programs on labor 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 the Maldives would advance peace, human protection, migrant welfare, and sustainable development in the region.