Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury has called for stronger international cooperation on migration governance. He urged improved data systems, better protection for migrant workers, and stronger efforts to tackle discrimination and misinformation.
He made the remarks while co-chairing the Multi-stakeholder Round Table-4 of the UN International Migration Review Forum at the UN Headquarters.
He said migrant workers must be treated as rights-holders, not “disposable labour inputs”.
The minister stressed the need for accurate and disaggregated migration data. He also called for stronger national statistical systems, better coordination among agencies, and safeguards for privacy and human rights.
He added that multi-service information hubs, digital platforms and community outreach are essential to ensure migrants receive timely and reliable information at all stages.
Choudhury said domestic, agricultural and informal sector workers remain highly vulnerable. He called for a rights-based approach to prevent exploitation and unsafe working conditions.
He also warned about rising anti-migrant narratives driven by xenophobia and misinformation. He urged accountability for hate speech and stronger digital literacy measures.
The minister called for deeper bilateral and global cooperation. He said migration should be managed through a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach to ensure dignity, protection and shared prosperity.
