Cohesive approach needed to address migrant workers’ grievances

For a human resource-rich country like Bangladesh, which has been sending workers overseas since 1976, economic growth and a robust foreign currency reserve depend on migrant workers to a great extent. Bangladeshi migrant workers scattered across the globe send money back home to keep the economic engine running and suffice it to say that in a time of global economic turmoil with apprehensions of a slowdown, the welfare of migrant workers needs to be given priority.

Migrant workers play a crucial role in the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh. These migrants working hard abroad contribute not only to their family expenses but also generate millions of dollars in revenue for Bangladesh. Bangladesh is the eighth biggest remittance recipient country in the world. Unfortunately though, the expatriate workers are rarely given the attention they deserve.

As per a TBP report, at Obivashi (migrant) Conference-2022, organised by Ovibashi Karmi Unnayan Programme, at Sonargoan in Narayanganj, demands were placed for state-sponsored facilities for the workers as their contribution to the economy is pivotal. At the conference, the migrant workers urged the government to allocate adequate funds in the national budget for ensuring their welfare and sustainable reintegration.

Echoing the migrants’ demands, OKUP Executive Director Omar Faruque Chowdhury called for eliminating migrants’ harassment at the airport and ensuring respectful behaviour to them.

He also demanded easing reintegration loans of the Probashi Kalyan Bank, proper implementation of the Migrants Act 2013, stopping human trafficking in the guise of migration, sustainable reintegration of the Covid-hit returnees and bringing the migrants under a social safety-net programme. Understandably, for migrant workers to get the maximum support from the government, adherence to government-set guidelines and laws is essential.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, thousands of migrant workers had to return to Bangladesh and later faced re-integration complications. This is where the government has to step in and create a migrant workers' rehabilitation programme with support from international development agencies. Leading NGOs can come forward with skills development training for returning workers to raise their capacity so they can apply overseas for better jobs.

For those who want to stay back in Bangladesh, a low-interest loan, to set up a business can be a viable option.

The development assistance from international donors can be used to set up a special fund aimed at supporting migrant workers who want to set up businesses in Bangladesh.

One major concern of migrant workers is the mistreatment in a foreign country, especially in the Gulf nations that have been making the headlines in the last ten years. Women workers have come back with traumatic tales of abuse, starvation, and sexual exploitation while some workers lost their lives overseas under very murky circumstances.

The government needs to raise these issues with the countries which have faced accusations of migrant worker abuse.

The government’s silence on the matter will only act to provide a semblance of legality to mistreatment. Allegedly, the process of sending workers to several countries is controlled by syndicates that create an impediment to transparent recruitment. There are also allegations that a nexus between corrupt elements in authority and unscrupulous recruitment agents subverts a proper and open process.

Stands to reason, a migrant worker friendly system can exist when there is an effort from all sides with the government taking a stern step against shady agents. As for the re-integration of workers into society, a united effort will bring the best results. Along with international development partners, the local business giants may mull opening migrant worker support schemes under their CSR wings.

This may include skills training, capacity building and psychological counselling. Society is often so engrossed in the financial aspect of overseas employment that the crucial psychological factor is left neglected. There must be counseling facilities in place capable of understanding the angst and inner demons that often torment overseas workers.