‎Italy Emphasizes Safe, Regular, and Skills-Based Migration from Bangladesh ‎

Photo: CNI

Staff Correspondent: The Embassy of Italy in Dhaka recently organized a public presentation titled "Language, Civic and Professional Training for Skilled Migration to Italy" at the Dhaka Regency Hotel and Resort. The event brought together senior government officials, diplomatic representatives, international organizations, and around 300 trainees of pre-departure training projects.  
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‎Dr. Mahdi Amin, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and PMO Spokesperson, attended the event as the Chief Guest. The program was also attended by Dr. A S M Fazlur Rahman, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, along with several key diplomatic figures including H.E. Antonio Alessandro, Ambassador of Italy to Bangladesh; H.E. Michael Miller, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh; Dr. Laura Nicole Tomm-Bonde, Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Bangladesh; and Mr. Gunjan Dallakoti, Head of Programme of the International Labor Organization (ILO) in Bangladesh. Presentations on current private sector-led projects were delivered by Mr. Antonio Milo (representing "Frontiere Skills") and Mr. Massimiliano De Fusco (representing "Format").  
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‎Key Highlights of the Program:
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‎Legal Framework: These projects are conducted by Italian private sector entities under Article 23 of Italian Immigration Law. The training includes basic Italian language skills, fundamental civic studies on Italy, and professional qualifications relevant to each working sector.  
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‎Zero Cost for Migrants: Prospective migrants access the program entirely at no cost, as expenses are sustained by the implementing private sector entities. Program rules strictly prohibit any payments to agencies or brokers, completely eliminating the scope for intermediaries.
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‎Commitment to Safe Migration: Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation to promote safe, regular, and skills-based migration while preventing irregular flows. He noted, "There is a limit to the number of migrants that Italy can absorb. Art. 23 projects are necessarily limited in numbers. If you don't get selected, wait for better opportunities. Or invest your future in your own country. Just don't look for shortcuts that might put your money and life at risk."  
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‎Government Vision: Chief Guest Dr. Mahdi Amin reaffirmed the Government of Bangladesh's commitment to expanding skilled, transparent, and affordable overseas employment opportunities and expressed interest in extending similar training models to other sectors and international labor markets.  
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‎The audience mainly comprised prospective migrants selected by Frontiere Skills for the project "TASTE" in the restaurant and hospitality sectors, alongside students from Format’s "Tessere il Domani" project in the textile sector. The event successfully reaffirmed the shared commitment of Bangladesh, Italy, and international partners to promote safe and regular migration pathways for Bangladeshi workers.