Obtaining a manpower license in Bangladesh is a necessary step for companies that wish to recruit and deploy workers abroad. The license is issued by the Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training (BMET), which is the regulatory body for all matters related to overseas employment in Bangladesh. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a manpower license in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is a country that heavily relies on its labor force for economic development. With a population of over 160 million people, the workforce is vast and diverse. However, the unregulated nature of the labor market has caused significant issues, including exploitation of workers and lack of proper employment opportunities.

BAIRA and BMET and Manpower Regulation in Bangladesh:

In order to address these concerns, the government of Bangladesh has established the Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training (BMET) to oversee the regulation and management of foreign employment, and the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) to regulate and facilitate the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers for overseas employment.

BAIRA was established in 1984 to protect the rights and interests of Bangladeshi workers who are employed abroad. It acts as a platform for the recruitment agencies to coordinate with each other and address the issues that arise in the foreign employment sector. BAIRA currently has more than 1,200 members who are registered with the organization.

One of the main functions of BAIRA is to ensure that all the recruitment agencies comply with the government regulations and guidelines. In order to operate as a recruitment agency, a company must obtain a license from the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. The license is issued for a period of two years and must be renewed every two years. The license also requires the agency to provide security deposits and maintain a minimum level of capital to operate.

In addition, the recruitment agencies must abide by the code of conduct established by BAIRA. The code of conduct includes provisions such as ensuring that the workers are not charged any fees, other than the government-approved fees, and that the workers are provided with adequate information about the working conditions, job responsibilities, and remuneration.

Furthermore, BAIRA works closely with the government to ensure that the recruitment process is transparent and fair. It also provides training to the recruitment agencies on the procedures and requirements of the foreign employment process. This helps to improve the quality of the recruitment agencies and ensure that they operate in a professional and ethical manner.

The BMET is responsible for regulating the recruitment process of Bangladeshi workers for overseas employment. It is also responsible for issuing the manpower licenses to the recruitment agencies. The manpower license ensures that the recruitment agencies meet the necessary requirements to operate as a recruitment agency and recruit workers for overseas employment.

The BMET also oversees the training and orientation of the workers before they are sent abroad. This helps to ensure that the workers are aware of the working conditions, their job responsibilities, and their rights and obligations as foreign workers.

Step 1: RJSC incorporation for Manpower License

Company Registration To apply for a manpower license, the company must first be registered with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC) in Bangladesh. The company must be registered as a private limited company or a public limited company. The registration process involves submitting the necessary documents and paying the registration fees.

Step 2: Trade License

Obtain Trade License After registering the company, the next step is to obtain a trade license from the local city corporation or municipality. The trade license is a legal document that permits the company to operate in a particular area. To obtain a trade license, the company must submit an application to the local authorities along with the required documents and fees.

Step 3: Obtaining the Tax Identification Number (TIN)

Obtain Tax Identification Number (TIN) The company must also obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the National Board of Revenue (NBR). The TIN is a unique identification number that is used to identify the company for tax purposes. To obtain a TIN, the company must submit an application to the NBR along with the necessary documents.

Step 4:

Register with BMET Once the company has obtained a trade license and a TIN, the next step is to register with the Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training (BMET). The registration process involves submitting an application to BMET along with the required documents and fees.

Registering with the Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training (BMET) is an essential step in obtaining a manpower license in Bangladesh. Here’s a detailed explanation of the registration process and the documents required:

After obtaining the trade license and Tax Identification Number (TIN), the next step is to register with BMET. The company must submit an application for registration along with the required documents and fees.

Documents required for registration:

1. Certificate of Incorporation: This is a legal document that confirms the company’s registration with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC).
2. Memorandum and Articles of Association: These documents provide information about the company’s objectives, structure, and internal rules and regulations.
3. Trade License: This is a legal permit issued by the local government authority that allows the company to carry out its business activities.
4. Tax Identification Number (TIN): This is a unique identification number issued by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) for tax purposes.
5. Bank Solvency Certificate: This is a certificate issued by a bank that confirms the company’s financial solvency.
6. Proof of Payment of Registration Fees: The company must pay the prescribed registration fees at the time of application.

After submitting the application and the required documents, BMET will verify the information and conduct an inspection of the company’s premises. If the application is approved, the company will be registered with BMET and issued a registration certificate.

The registration certificate is valid for two years from the date of issue and must be renewed upon expiry. The renewal process involves submitting an application for renewal along with the required documents and fees.

It is important to note that registration with BMET is mandatory for all companies that wish to recruit and deploy workers abroad, whether or not they are seeking a manpower license. Registered companies are required to comply with the guidelines and regulations set by BMET and provide a safe and healthy work environment for their workers.

In conclusion, registering with BMET is an important step in the process of obtaining a manpower license in Bangladesh. The company must submit an application along with the required documents and fees and comply with the guidelines and regulations set by BMET. By following these steps, companies can ensure that they operate within the legal framework and contribute to the development of the Bangladeshi economy.

Step 5: Application for manpower license

Obtaining the Manpower License After registering with BMET, the company can apply for a manpower license. The application for a manpower license must be made on a prescribed form, which can be obtained from the BMET website or office. The application must be accompanied by the following documents:

1. Certificate of Incorporation
2. Trade License
3. Tax Identification Number (TIN)
4. Bank Solvency Certificate
5. A copy of the employment contract or agreement with the employer abroad
6. Power of Attorney in favor of the recruiting agency, if applicable
7. A copy of the demand letter from the employer abroad
8. Proof of payment of the license fees

The application must be submitted to the BMET office along with the necessary documents and fees. Once the application is received, BMET will verify the information provided and conduct an inspection of the company’s premises.

If BMET is satisfied with the information and the inspection, they will issue the manpower license to the company. The license is valid for two years and can be renewed upon payment of the renewal fees.

Step 6: Post-Licensing Compliance

After obtaining the manpower license, the company must comply with the regulations and guidelines set by BMET. The company must maintain a register of all workers recruited and deployed abroad. The register must contain the following information:

1. Name of the worker
2. Date of birth
3. Passport number
4. Employment contract details
5. Date of departure
6. Destination country
7. Date of arrival
8. Date of repatriation

The company must also provide pre-departure orientation to the workers. The orientation must cover the following topics:

1. Employment contract details
2. Destination country and culture
3. Health and safety precautions
4. Code of conduct
5. Complaints and grievances mechanism

The company must also provide adequate insurance coverage to the workers. The insurance must cover the following:

1. Accidental death and injury
2. Medical treatment
3. Repatriation expenses in case of death or disability

In addition to these requirements, the company must also comply with the laws and regulations of the destination country. The company must ensure that the workers have the necessary visas and work permits to work in the destination country. The company must also provide the workers with accommodation, food, and transportation as per the employment contract.

Obtaining a manpower license in Bangladesh is a necessary step for companies that wish to recruit and deploy workers abroad. The process involves registering the company with the relevant authorities, obtaining a trade license and a Tax Identification Number (TIN), registering with BMET, and applying for the manpower license. After obtaining the license, the company must comply with the regulations and guidelines set by BMET and ensure the welfare and safety of the workers deployed abroad. By following these steps, companies can ensure that they operate within the legal framework and contribute to the development of the Bangladeshi economy.

Here’s a table with 10 frequently asked questions about the legal process of obtaining a manpower license in Bangladesh:

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