Migrant workers are one of the pillars of the economy of Bangladesh, which is one of the world鈥檚 largest sources of migrant labour. Millions of Bangladeshis work in different parts of the world, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe and America. Their remittances enrich the foreign exchange reserve and pull many families out of poverty. However, the workers are often victims of exploitation and policy gaps. Failure to formulate and implement effective policies for them is a sad picture. This is not only a humanitarian crisis but also an important issue of the economy.
Migrant workers are mainly unskilled and low-skilled, many of whom face various forms of exploitation and deprivation, either because of language problems or they are minorities. They face everything from visa and employment costs to workplace insecurity and often low or uncertain wages. In most cases, internal policies and the lack of bilateral agreements to ensure their safety in destination countries have made their problems more pronounced. Policies have sometimes been made for migrants, but they were not properly executed.
Migrants in Saudi Arabia, for an example, who face problems, often do not have places to lodge their complaints. There are policy gaps in the protection of migrant workers. A major problem is the lack of proper preparation before going abroad. Migrant workers are easily cheated because of their ignorance of workplace labour laws, rights and local culture. Additional costs and the influence of brokers are a major problem in the recruitment process of migrant workers. Many workers become indebted because of high costs which increases their risk of exploitation and fraud.
Countries where Bangladeshis work do not have enough agreements to guarantee worker rights. As a result, workers are deprived of legal security and protection. Bangladesh missions lack the required human resources and training. Workers often do not receive proper services when they face problems or legal troubles. The migrants who return face resettlement problems. Their skills are not recognized, resulting in an employment crisis.
Multiple steps are needed to fill the policy gaps to protect migrant workers. The government should strictly control the recruitment process of migrant workers. There is a need to enact stringent laws to increase oversight of the activities of recruiting agencies and restrict activities of brokers. This would reduce the exploitation of workers and the cost of migration. Migrant workers must be trained before they go abroad. It will cover the learning of languages, relevant laws and regulations, life in destination countries and labour rights.听 With this, they will be able to deal with various problems while they work abroad.
To ensure greater safety and security for migrant workers, Bangladesh needs to enter into strong bilateral agreements with destination countries. The agreements should include the guarantee of wage protection, working condition, legal aid and health care. Foreign missions need more human resources and training to deal with migrant workers.
An effective programme needs to be introduced to rehabilitate the repatriated workers. It should include job creation, loan facilities for small businesses, and mental health support. In this, they will be able to return to the country and become self-reliant. There is a need for awareness creation to duly recognise to the contribution of migrant workers. Creating public awareness about the role of remittances will create a positive attitude towards them in society.
Migrant workers are the pride and invaluable assets. They enrich the country by risking their lives. Ensuring their protection should not be limited to policies and laws. It is a human and moral responsibility. Bridging policy gaps requires concerted efforts by governments, non-governmental organisations and international partners. If we can ensure the protection and rights of migrant workers, the economy will develop. We need to have a sense of respect and responsibility for migrant workers.
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Md Jobaer hossain is a member of the Social Research Group, Comilla University.