History and Institutional Background

Bangladesh formally introduced overseas employment in 1976. Between 1976 and 1981, overseas recruitment activities were administered directly by the Government. To regulate the growing migration sector, the Government promulgated the Emigration Ordinance, 1982, establishing the country's first legal framework for overseas employment.

The Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) was formally established on 13 December 1984 to represent licensed recruiting agencies and support the orderly development of Bangladesh's overseas employment sector.

Today, BAIRA operates under the Trade Organisations Act, 2022 and the Trade Organisations Rules, 2025. The association is governed by a 27-member Executive Committee, elected every two years by its members, and carries out its activities in accordance with the policies and regulations of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment (MoEWOE) and the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET).

 

Labour Migration and Our Contribution

Since organised overseas migration began in 1976, millions of Bangladeshis have secured employment across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe and other regions. Overseas employment has become one of Bangladesh's key drivers of employment, economic growth and foreign exchange earnings, while providing livelihoods for millions of families.

In 2025, Bangladesh deployed 1,132,519 workers overseas. According to the Overseas Employment Platform (OEP) of the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET), approximately 83% of these workers were recruited through private recruiting agencies, demonstrating the significant contribution of BAIRA's member agencies to the country's overseas employment sector.

The contribution of migrant workers is also reflected in Bangladesh's remittance earnings. In the 2025–26 financial year, the country received a record US$35.56 billion in remittances, the highest annual inflow in its history. These remittances continue to strengthen the national economy, support macroeconomic stability and improve the livelihoods of millions of households.

BAIRA member agencies recruit workers for a wide range of occupations, including construction, manufacturing, engineering, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, domestic work and other skilled professions. By promoting responsible recruitment, regulatory compliance and quality service delivery, BAIRA contributes to safe and orderly migration while supporting Bangladesh's position as a trusted source of skilled and reliable human resources in the global labour market.

 

Our Instiutions

BAIRA Secretariat, New Eskaton, Dhaka

The BAIRA Secretariat serves as the association's administrative headquarters. It manages membership affairs, coordinates with the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, BMET and other government institutions, organises meetings and official events, issues circulars and publications, and provides regulatory guidance and operational support to member agencies. The Secretariat also represents members in policy discussions and promotes collaboration between the public and private sectors.

 

BAIRA Database, Kakrail, Dhaka

The BAIRA Database supports the association's data management, record-keeping and reporting functions, contributing to greater transparency, accountability and efficient service delivery within the overseas recruitment sector. The Centre also administers the BAIRA Welfare Fund by collecting a welfare contribution of BDT 100 for every worker deployed abroad through a BAIRA member agency. The fund supports BAIRA's operational activities and member services.

 

BAIRA International Skills Development and Training Institute (BISTI), Gazipur