Japan will begin recruiting workers from Bangladesh from 1 April 2027 under a newly signed employment agreement between the two countries, according to the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.
The agreement, titled ESDP-MOC (Memorandum of Cooperation on Employment Skills Development), was signed on 17 October following nearly a year of discussions between Bangladesh and Japan.
The ministry described the agreement as a major milestone in the government’s efforts to expand overseas employment opportunities. The deal will initially remain in force for five years and will be automatically extended for another five years upon expiry.
Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury said the arrangement would ensure a high level of protection for workers and strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the recruitment and placement of workers.
He said the opportunities in Japan would help Bangladeshi workers enhance their skills, earn higher wages and potentially secure long-term residence opportunities.
According to the ministry, Bangladeshi workers recruited under the agreement will enjoy legal protections equivalent to those provided to Japanese workers. The agreement also guarantees equal employment opportunities for men and women.
The two countries are expected to formally exchange copies of the agreement during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to Japan.
