Manpower export hit an all time high this year with 425,000 workers so far departing the country for abroad. “Many more are expected to leave over the remaining months of the year,” Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry said in a statement yesterday. “This is an all time record.”

The ministry said the number of departed workers was 384,000 in 2006.

It said the ministry found problems in Malaysia, but the government has initiated a series of measures, including cancellation of licenses and supervision of responsible recruiting agencies, to resolve the problems.

Other measures included appointment of lawyers to protect the rights of Bangladeshi labourers and enhancing the capacity of the High Commission by increasing personnel and making changes.

About Korean labour market, the statement said Bangladesh and South Korea are expected to sign an implementation agreement soon for administration of Korean language tests. With regard to Canada, a process of recruiting 1,133 workers is underway.

The ministry said the government is looking for new labour markets in other countries like Rumania, Poland, Nigeria, Angola and the Russian Federation.

“The ministry will soon initiate an integrated policy whereby we will prepare for filling the gaps in Europe and America made by their aging population.”

It said improvement in workers’ skills in English and European languages would be necessary to tap the market and stressed the need for endeavours of the public and private sectors.