International Migrants Day serves as a reminder of the critical role migration plays in the global economy and the pressing need to address the challenges faced by migrant communities.
This year’s theme, “It’s About Time: Justice for Migrants,” resonates deeply with the experiences of Bangladeshi migrants, highlighting the need for fairness, inclusion, and equitable opportunities.
For Bangladesh, a nation deeply entwined with migration, this day holds special significance.
Over the decades, millions of Bangladeshis have ventured abroad, primarily to the Gulf and Middle Eastern countries, seeking better opportunities and contributing significantly to the country’s economy through remittances.
Simultaneously, Bangladesh has showcased remarkable humanitarian efforts by hosting a large number of displaced Rohingya refugees.
However, while these contributions are notable, the nation faces several challenges that warrant urgent attention, ranging from the lack of democratic inclusion for expatriates to issues surrounding harassment, migration costs, and the exploration of new labour markets.
Migration has been a lifeline for Bangladesh’s economy, particularly in terms of remittances.
According to data from the World Bank, Bangladesh ranked among the top ten remittance-receiving countries globally in recent years.
In 2023, remittances contributed nearly $22 billion to the economy, bolstering foreign exchange reserves and playing a pivotal role in reducing poverty in rural areas.
For many households, these funds provide essential support for education, healthcare, and housing, thereby improving living standards and contributing to socio-economic mobility.
However, the focus of Bangladeshi migration has predominantly been on quantity rather than quality.
A significant proportion of migrants are engaged in low-skilled or semi-skilled jobs in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
These jobs, while crucial, often come with low wages, limited worker protections, and vulnerability to exploitation.
There is a growing consensus that Bangladesh needs to transition towards exporting skilled labour to diversify its migration portfolio and enhance the economic impact of remittances.
One of the recurring grievances among migrant workers is passport-related harassment.
Delays, inefficiencies, and corruption in the passport issuance and renewal processes have created significant hurdles for many aspiring migrants.
Reports indicate that some individuals are forced to pay bribes to expedite their applications, further burdening them financially.
Streamlining passport services and introducing stricter accountability measures could alleviate these challenges and ensure a smoother migration process.
The cost of migration from Bangladesh remains among the highest in the world.
Migrant workers often pay exorbitant fees to recruitment agencies, which can amount to several years’ worth of earnings.
This exploitation not only increases their financial vulnerability but also discourages potential migrants from pursuing overseas opportunities.
The government’s recent initiatives to regulate recruitment agencies and establish digital platforms for job placements are steps in the right direction, but more robust enforcement and transparency are needed to bring about meaningful change.
Bangladesh’s reliance on Gulf and Middle Eastern countries as the primary destinations for its migrant workers has created an over-dependence that exposes the country to economic vulnerabilities.
For instance, fluctuations in oil prices or changes in labour policies in these regions could significantly impact remittance inflows.
Expanding into new markets, particularly in Europe and East Asia, could mitigate these risks.
However, this requires a strategic focus on developing a skilled workforce that meets the demands of these regions, such as healthcare professionals, IT specialists, and engineers.
Exploitation remains a pressing issue for Bangladeshi migrant workers.
Many face wage theft, poor working conditions, and physical abuse.
Female migrants, particularly domestic workers, are at a higher risk of gender-based violence and exploitation.
Strengthening bilateral agreements with host countries and ensuring stricter enforcement of labour rights can help address these issues.
Additionally, providing pre-departure training on workers’ rights and avenues for legal recourse could empower migrants to safeguard their interests.its
One of the most glaring gaps in Bangladesh’s engagement with its expatriate community is their exclusion from the nation’s democratic processes.
Despite their significant economic contributions, Bangladeshi migrants are unable to vote in national elections, depriving them of a voice in shaping the country’s future.
Enabling voting rights for expatriates would not only recognise their contributions but also foster a stronger sense of national belonging.
Countries such as India and the Philippines have successfully implemented mechanisms for overseas voting, offering models that Bangladesh could emulate.
In this regard, the interim government has shown some initiative by beginning consultations on the technical feasibility of expatriate voting mechanisms and piloting digital voter registration for migrants in key destination countries.
These steps, while in their infancy, signal an acknowledgement of the expatriates’ rights and contributions.
In addition to being a source of migrants, Bangladesh has demonstrated exceptional humanitarian leadership by hosting over one million Rohingya refugees fleeing persecution in Myanmar.
While this commitment has earned international acclaim, it has also placed significant strain on the country’s resources, particularly in the Cox’s Bazar region.
The prolonged presence of the Rohingya community underscores the need for sustainable solutions, including increased international aid and repatriation efforts that ensure the safety and dignity of the refugees.
The current model of Bangladeshi migration prioritises quantity over quality, which limits the potential benefits for both individuals and the nation.
Transitioning to a quality-focused approach requires comprehensive policy reforms, including investing in vocational training and education to equip workers with skills that are in high demand globally.
Collaborating with industries and educational institutions to align training curricula with international standards is essential.
Strengthening partnerships with host countries to ensure better labour protections and access to higher-paying jobs, as well as negotiating reduced migration costs and streamlined visa processes through bilateral agreements, can help significantly.
Diversifying migration destinations to reduce reliance on Gulf countries and targeting emerging markets in Europe, East Asia, and Africa through strategic partnerships and targeted marketing efforts are also crucial.
Leveraging digital platforms to connect workers with overseas employers directly, bypassing exploitative intermediaries, and implementing blockchain technology to enhance transparency in recruitment processes, are other critical steps in this transition.
Bangladesh’s migration story is one of resilience, ambition, and immense contributions to the global economy.
However, the challenges faced by its migrant workers demand urgent and sustained attention.
From addressing passport-related harassment and reducing migration costs to expanding into new markets and ensuring democratic inclusion for expatriates, there is much work to be done.
By prioritising quality migration and implementing comprehensive reforms, Bangladesh can not only enhance the well-being of its migrants but also secure a more robust and diversified economic future.
On this International Migrants Day, guided by the theme “It’s About Time: Justice for Migrants,” let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a migration system that is equitable, inclusive, and sustainable for all stakeholders.
