The Skills Fair (Workshop Mode) on Safe Labour Migration was successfully organized on 30 March 2026 at the Conference Room, Hotel Beach Park, Cox’s Bazar, by Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) under its ongoing labour migration programming supported by FCDO and The Asia Foundation. The event aimed to equip aspirant migrants and youth with practical knowledge, skills, and guidance to make safe, informed, and well-planned migration decisions while reducing risks of exploitation and human trafficking.
A total of approximately 60 participants attended the event, including aspirant migrants, local youth, returnee migrants, and community representatives. The diversity of participants ensured a rich exchange of experiences and perspectives, particularly from those with prior migration exposure.
Event Proceedings and Sessions:
The event commenced with registration and participant introductions, allowing attendees to share their backgrounds, migration interests, and expectations. This initial engagement helped facilitators tailor the discussion according to participants’ needs.
The formal opening session was initiated by Abu Bakkar Liton, Project Manager of YPSA, who provided an overview of the objectives and significance of the Skills Fair. He emphasized the increasing trend of unsafe migration in coastal regions like Cox’s Bazar and the urgent need for awareness and skills development.
Following this, Mohammed Shahidul Islam, Deputy Director of YPSA, delivered his remarks highlighting institutional efforts to promote safe labour migration and the importance of collaboration among stakeholders. The event was officially inaugurated by Dr. Mohammed Arifur Rahman, Founder and Chief Executive of YPSA, who stressed ethical recruitment practices, youth empowerment, and the role of informed decision-making in preventing migration-related risks.
Technical Learning Sessions:
A key session on CV Writing and Employability Skills was facilitated by Joynal Abedin, where participants learned how to prepare professional CVs aligned with international job standards. The session covered practical aspects such as structuring CVs, highlighting technical and soft skills, and avoiding common mistakes.
Participants then engaged in a group work session, where they identified major challenges in safe migration. Key issues highlighted included:
- Dependence on unregistered brokers
- Lack of accurate information on migration procedures
- High migration costs and financial risks
- Limited access to technical skills training
- Vulnerability to fraud and human trafficking
This participatory exercise helped participants critically reflect on real-life challenges and collectively explore solutions.
Panel Discussion: Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
The event’s central component was a comprehensive panel discussion moderated by Yousuf Ali, Coordinator of YPSA-CYD. The panel brought together key stakeholders from government, training institutions, and civil society, including representatives from:
- Department of Youth Development
- District Employment and Manpower Office (DEMO), Cox’s Bazar
- Technical Training Center (TTC)
- Counter-Trafficking Projects
- Local Government and GMC representatives
- International labor Organization
The panel discussion addressed several critical topics:
- Skills demand in international labour markets, especially in Middle Eastern countries
- Government migration procedures and services, including registration with BMET
- Importance of technical and vocational training for better employment opportunities
- Prevention of human trafficking and exploitation
- Role of community awareness and local governance mechanisms
Panelists provided practical guidance and encouraged participants to use formal channels, verify job offers, and seek support from authorized institutions.
Facilitation, Coordination, and Documentation:
The event was smoothly coordinated by Md. Taybul Islam, Project Officer of the YPSA PERI Project, who ensured effective session management and participant engagement. The program was professionally anchored by Joynab Jahan Nasrin, maintaining the flow and energy of the event. Documentation and reporting support were provided by Sumana Chakma, ensuring proper record-keeping of discussions and outcomes.
Key Achievements and Outcomes:
- Participants gained enhanced knowledge on safe and legal migration pathways
- Improved understanding of skills requirements and employability standards
- Increased awareness of fraud risks and trafficking prevention mechanisms
- Strengthened linkages between participants and service providers
- Participants developed practical migration plans and career perspectives
- Encouraged youth to pursue skill-based migration rather than unplanned migration
- 7 Young are enlisted for the job interview including 3 of In a Hotel,2 of a Teachnical training institution and 2 of in tours and travel agency and they will face the interview by April 2026
Challenges Identified During the Event:
- Limited access to reliable migration information at the community level
- High dependency on informal intermediaries
- Financial constraints for skill development and migration preparation
Recommendations:
- Organize regular skills fairs and pre-decision sessions at union and upazila levels
- Strengthen collaboration with government institutions (BMET, TTC, DEMO)
- Expand technical and vocational training opportunities for youth
- Increase community-level awareness campaigns on safe migration
- Develop follow-up support mechanisms for interested participants
Conclusion:
The Skills Fair (Workshop Mode) proved to be an impactful initiative in addressing the knowledge and skills gaps among aspirant migrants in Cox’s Bazar. By combining technical learning, stakeholder engagement, and participatory approaches, the event significantly contributed to promoting safe, informed, and skilled migration practices. The initiative reflects the continued commitment of Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) to safeguard migrant rights and support sustainable livelihood opportunities for youth.
