SKILL GAP ANALYSIS OF THE MIGRANT WORKERS OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

Bangladesh, the eighth most populous and most densely populated country in the world, faces severe challenges as its population exceeds the available land and resources. This imbalance has resulted in widespread unemployment and underemployment, placing immense pressure on the economy, social safety nets, basic human needs, and the Human Development Index (HDI). In response, large-scale migration for employment began in the 1970s, primarily toward Middle Eastern countries. Today, overseas employment has become a critical driver of foreign currency earnings, contributing approximately 27 billion United States dollars (USD) in 2024, or 5.3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This trend is expected to accelerate. However, the overseas employment sector has long faced numerous challenges, exacerbated by the rapid rise of automation and digitalization in the era of Industry 4.0, as a large proportion of Bangladeshi migrant workers remain unskilled and less educated. Skilled workers earn significantly more than unskilled workers, enjoy greater job security, and benefit from improved working and living conditions. This study explores the critical skill development needs in the service sector of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for skilled and semi-skilled jobs, identifying both the skill needs and skill gaps among Bangladeshi workers. The research employed an exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative data from 12 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with quantitative analysis based on surveys of 100 employers and 408 workers. Grounded in Human Capital Theory, which asserts that investments in skills directly improve productivity and earning potential, the study followed a systematic analytical process involving reliability tests (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.944), sample adequacy tests (KMO = 0.911), and correlation and regression analysis (R = 0.940; R² = 0.883). The findings reveal significant skill gaps among Bangladeshi workers, including lack of experience, inadequate educational backgrounds, absence of professional technical skills, poor language proficiency, and deficient communication skills. Statistical analysis shows that technical training (Beta = 0.684, p = 0.000) and work experience (Beta = 0.224, p = 0.000) are strong predictors of higher earnings. English-speaking and writing proficiency, educational qualifications, ICT skills, manners and etiquette, cultural awareness, and basic knowledge of legal aspects were also found to influence wage earnings. 8 To develop the aforementioned skills among Bangladeshi workers, the study recommends strengthening the vocational and technical education system, improving ICT skills, enhancing language proficiency, and developing soft skills such as communication, manners and etiquette, and cultural adaptability. Furthermore, the study advocates for the establishment of a standardized national certification system aligned with GCC market requirements. These measures are expected to improve the skill levels of Bangladeshi workers, ultimately enhancing the employability and earning potential of Bangladeshi migrant workers.