Bangladesh State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Shafiqur Rahman Choudhury Calls for UK to Ease Visa Conditions. He has urged the UK government to relax visa conditions for Bangladeshi restaurant workers aiming to work in the UK’s hospitality and catering sectors.
Dialogue Hosted by UK’s All-party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Bangladesh
Choudhury made this appeal as the chief guest at a high-profile dialogue hosted by the UK’s All-party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Bangladesh, held on Thursday.
Key Figures in Attendance
Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem, Bob Blackman MP, and APPG vice-chair Lord Karan Bilimoria were among the speakers, with APPG on Bangladesh Chair Rushanara Ali MP presiding over the dialogue.
Praise for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
During his address, Choudhury lauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her visionary leadership. For fostering Bangladesh’s prosperity and enhancing the welfare of Bangladeshis worldwide, including those in the UK.
Plea for Policy Adjustment
Highlighting the growing bilateral ties between Bangladesh and the UK, Choudhury underscored the pressing need to address the shortage of skilled staff in Bangladeshi restaurants across various UK cities and towns. He emphasized that the raised minimum annual salary requirement in the UK, currently at £3,800, poses a challenge for many restaurant owners.
Call for Collaboration
Choudhury urged the UK Government to reconsider the minimum annual salary requirement for workers in the hospitality sector. He proposed Bangladesh’s potential to supply skilled construction and farm workers as seasonal workers.
Commitment to Cooperation
High Commissioner Saida Muna Tasneem affirmed the Bangladesh High Commission’s commitment to facilitating job opportunities for skilled Bangladeshi workers. She highlighted the recruitment of caregivers and seasonal farm workers from Bangladesh in recent years.
Acknowledgment and Appreciation
Rushanara Ali MP commended the state minister for his efforts in strengthening ties between the British-Bangladeshi community and Bangladesh.
Prominent Participation
The event saw the presence of high UK Parliamentary officials and distinguished members of the British-Bangladeshi community.
Preceding Engagement
Earlier, the state minister participated in an event organized by the British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce, furthering discussions on bilateral cooperation.
