Unquestionably, the silent heroes of our time are migrant workers. Their steady contribution to the economy is noteworthy, as their labour brings much-needed foreign currency. However, their diligence is often overlooked, and the support from respective authorities and manpower agencies remains grossly inadequate. A notable decrease in Bangladeshi migrant workers should serve as an alarm bell for decision-makers and other important figures across the country.
It’s high-time for the temporary government to emphasize on reforming governance to deal with the issues faced by migrant labour. Undeniably, setting up a specialized migration committee and increasing the financial plan for dealing with migration issues are critical moves on the path to constructing a stronger system.
Inclusive reforms are required, focusing on not just policy changes but also furthering the development of workers’ skills and creating secure employment options for female workers. Emphasizing and prioritising these areas is of utmost importance in our reform efforts.
Furthermore, there is a significant need to enhance the transparency in the hiring process and to strengthen employee training centres — steps crucial to ensure a dependable migration infrastructure. This strategy is not just indispensable for the security and well-being of migrant workers, but it’s also key to preserving the integrity of Bangladesh’s employment migration structure.
While overseas residents sent back an impressive sum of USD 26.9 billion last year—a 23 percent year-on-year upward trend—it is concerning that the number of individuals seeking jobs abroad has dropped by a significant 22.5 percent.
In accordance with data from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET), the count of individuals seeking employment opportunities overseas fell to 1,011,856 from 1,305,856 the preceding year. This data indicates a bleak image of an industry that not only forms the backbone of our national economy but also serves as a lifeline for countless households.
Another alarming concern is the drastic fall in female migrant workers’ numbers, with a mere 54,696 women securing opportunities overseas last year. This signifies a substantial 22 percent decline compared to the preceding year.
The downtrend in women’s migration is not only challenging their financial independence but it also deprives families of critical monetary assistance that they significantly rely on.
The ‘Labour Dynamics of Labour Migration from Bangladesh in 2024’ report, published by the Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU), brings to light how systemic corruption and regular inconsistencies have made a considerable impact on labour migration opportunities.
Interestingly, Malaysia reopened its job market in 2021 under a syndicate, which, however, abruptly shut it again in May 2024. The syndicate was found to have embezzled US $2 billion, thereby skyrocketing migration expenses and leaving numerous workers either abandoned overseas or compelled to return home.
In addition, the issue of ongoing migration suspension to various countries—including Oman, Bahrain, the UAE, and the Maldives throughout 2024—due to multiple reasons such as fraudulent paperwork, only serves to underline the urgent need for overhauling the migration sector to avert more missed opportunities for our workforce.
The dropping numbers of Bangladeshi migrant workers should also be viewed as a chance for decision-makers to re-examine and renovate the labour migration process.
Fighting corruption, enhancing training and abilities development, and creating safer channels for migration are ways in which Bangladesh can promise a secure future for its citizens and strengthen national growth through remittances, which continue to be a fundamental source of foreign currency.
The need for action is evident, and the urgency is pressing; the welfare and future of innumerable families are hinged on the effective steps that we decide to implement.
Therefore, it is crucial to acknowledge the contribution of migrant workers, address the challenges faced by them, and implement measures to support their journey. As silent heroes, their importance to the economy should never be underestimated or forgotten.
Despite the challenges, there is also a silver lining. The current scenarios provide ample opportunity for policy makers to reassess and undertake necessary reforms to ensure a more sustainable and equitable labour migration ecosystem.