Copies of the agreement will be formally exchanged by both sides during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to Japan.
TBS Report
19 October, 2026, 11:15 am
Last modified: 19 October, 2026, 11:22 am
Bangladesh and Japan have signed a new employment agreement, paving the way for recruitment of Bangladeshi workers to Japan from 1 April 2027.
The Memorandum of Cooperation on Employment Skills Development (ESDP-MOC) was finalised and signed on Saturday (17 October) following nearly a year of efforts by the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and the Japanese government, according to a press release.
The agreement was signed by the secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment on behalf of Bangladesh and representatives of Japan's Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and National Police Agency.
The agreement is being considered a significant milestone in the expansion of overseas employment opportunities under the current government.
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury said the agreement will ensure the highest level of protection for workers and strengthen cooperation between the two countries in sending and receiving workers.
He added that employment opportunities in Japan will help Bangladeshi workers develop their skills, earn higher wages and gain opportunities for long-term residence in the country.
Copies of the agreement will be formally exchanged by both sides during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's upcoming visit to Japan.
Recruitment under the agreement will begin on 1 April 2027. It will initially remain in force for five years and will automatically be extended for another five years upon expiry, bringing its total duration to 10 years.
Under the agreement, Bangladeshi workers will receive legal protection equivalent to that afforded to Japanese workers and enjoy equal opportunities regardless of gender.
The agreement also includes safeguards for female migrant workers, prohibiting dismissal or discriminatory treatment on the grounds of pregnancy or childbirth.
It does not contain any mandatory provision requiring women to return to Bangladesh because of pregnancy or childbirth.
Officials expect the implementation of the agreement to further strengthen the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Japan while creating greater opportunities for developing Bangladesh's skilled workforce.