Bangladesh-Italy sign MoU to promote legal migration

Bangladesh and Italy have formalized an agreement aimed at enhancing legal migration and addressing the challenges posed by human trafficking. The two nations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 6 May, marking a significant step toward structured and safe migration channels.

The MoU was signed by Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment of Bangladesh, and Matteo Piantedosi, Italy’s Minister of the Interior.
"Italy has agreed to accept both seasonal and non-seasonal workers from Bangladesh, and efforts will be made to expand the current quota," said Asif Nazrul while speaking to the media. He noted that this is the first formal agreement of its kind between the two countries.
As part of the agreement, a joint working group will be established to create an operational framework for legal migration. While the MoU does not specify employment sectors, Nazrul emphasized its role as a foundational arrangement that could pave the way for future opportunities.
Italian Interior Minister Piantedosi expressed a welcoming stance on migration, stating, "Migration is not a problem for us—it is an honor. The issue lies in how people attempt to migrate. Our aim is to replace irregular migration with legal pathways."
He underscored the importance of joint efforts to fight human trafficking and promote regulated migration, noting that such collaboration would deepen bilateral ties between the two nations.
Piantedosi also praised the Bangladeshi diaspora in Italy, calling it the largest within the European Union and recognizing its contribution as a well-integrated, hardworking community.
Bangladesh has additionally requested expedited visa processing, more educational scholarships for its students, and the removal of the country from Italy’s high-risk list for migration.
According to the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET), Bangladeshi workers have migrated to 182 countries between 2020 and 2024. Among 42 European destinations, Italy ranked as the top legal recruiter, welcoming over 26,000 workers in that period. Last year alone, more than 8,000 Bangladeshi workers entered Italy legally, particularly for seasonal employment in agriculture.