Bangladesh Faces Labour Migration Stagnation: Calls for Sector Overhaul Intensify

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Labour migration from Bangladesh to numerous key destination countries has remained in limbo for years, posing a significant challenge for the nation’s economy, which relies heavily on remittance earnings. For over five years, migration to at least 13 countries, once lucrative markets for Bangladeshi workers, has been suspended due to a combination of regulatory issues, mismanagement, and external factors.

According to the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET), labour migration to Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Malaysia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Romania, Brunei, Mauritius, Italy, and the Maldives remains suspended. While government officials claim to be working on reopening these markets, experts warn of long-term consequences for the migration sector if these opportunities remain inaccessible.

A Complex Issue: Not Just One-Sided

The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment acknowledges that resolving the issue requires cooperation from destination countries. Shahidul Islam Chowdhury, joint secretary at the ministry, explained that reopening these markets is a two-way process, with Bangladesh’s missions abroad engaged in discussions to address the challenges.

However, migration experts argue that irregularities and inefficiencies within Bangladesh’s own migration process have been a major reason for the closure of these markets. Professor Tasneem Siddiqui, founding chair of the Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit, emphasized that these failures have damaged the country’s reputation as a reliable source of migrant labour.

“Without significant reforms, the migration sector risks a complete collapse,” Tasneem warned, urging the government to adopt a dual strategy: reopen previously accessible markets while simultaneously focusing on developing a skilled workforce for new opportunities.

Heavy Reliance on a Single Market Raises Concerns

Bangladesh’s current labour migration is heavily reliant on Saudi Arabia, which has emerged as the largest employer of Bangladeshi workers. BMET data shows that in the past nine months alone, over 53% of the 6,98,558 Bangladeshi migrants went to Saudi Arabia, most of them working in unskilled or semi-skilled jobs.

While the total number of migrants leaving the country has remained relatively steady, the lack of diversification in destination countries highlights a vulnerability in Bangladesh’s migration strategy. Experts argue that overdependence on a single country exposes workers and the economy to significant risks, especially since unskilled labour earns lower wages and offers less stability.

Challenges with Key Destinations

The suspension of migration to major countries stems from various factors, including irregularities, image crises, and internal challenges in destination nations:

  1. Malaysia: After an eight-year suspension due to irregularities, Malaysia reopened its doors to Bangladeshi workers in 2023. However, chaotic flight scheduling left 19,000 workers stranded, leading to further reputational damage.
  2. UAE: Labour migration has been suspended since 2018, reportedly due to protests by Bangladeshi workers in support of a student-led movement in Dhaka.
  3. Mauritius and Romania: Recruitment has slowed drastically as Bangladeshi workers violated contracts by switching companies or migrating illegally to other countries. For example, Mauritius, which once recruited over 2,000 workers annually, has taken in only six Bangladeshi workers in the past nine months.
  4. Bahrain: A former key destination, Bahrain has not recruited any Bangladeshi workers this year, compared to over 71,000 in 2016. Experts attribute this to the lack of initiatives from Bangladeshi authorities to repair the country’s image.
  5. Conflict Zones: Labour export to Iraq, Libya, Sudan, and Egypt remains halted due to volatile political and security situations in those countries.

Tasneem Siddiqui highlighted another alarming trend: these closed markets are now being exploited by human traffickers, exposing workers to exploitation and abuse.

The Need for Reform and Strategy

Experts unanimously agree that Bangladesh must urgently reform its migration governance and management. Syed Saiful Haque, chairman of WARBE Development Foundation, called for the establishment of a reform commission to address the systemic flaws in the migration process.

“We need to reopen these closed markets while also searching for new destinations that value skilled labour. Building a strong pipeline of skilled workers is critical for Bangladesh to remain competitive,” Saiful said.

The lack of regulation and oversight in the sector has not only hindered the reopening of markets but has also led to irregular practices, creating additional risks. Tasneem reiterated the need for comprehensive migration reform to prevent other countries from closing their doors to Bangladeshi workers in the future.

Image Crisis and Accountability

One of the recurring issues in Bangladesh’s labour migration sector is the failure to address its tarnished image in destination countries. For instance, in Bahrain and Mauritius, the irresponsible behavior of some Bangladeshi workers and the authorities’ lack of intervention have resulted in long-standing barriers.

In the case of Malaysia, despite the reopening of the market, logistical mismanagement during the migration process has further strained relations. Experts stress that government initiatives must focus on both rebuilding trust with destination countries and ensuring that Bangladeshi workers follow proper procedures.

Broader Implications for Remittance Earnings

Despite the challenges, remittance flows remain vital to Bangladesh’s economy. However, experts caution that the country’s overdependence on unskilled labour is limiting its potential for higher earnings. Developing a skilled workforce that meets the demands of global labour markets is essential for increasing remittance earnings and reducing the risks associated with migration.

Tasneem Siddiqui reiterated this point, stating: “If we want to improve our position in the global labour market, we must invest in skill development and vocational training. Otherwise, we will remain stuck in low-wage, low-skill sectors.”

The Way Forward

As migration to major destination countries remains suspended, Bangladesh faces mounting pressure to reform its labour migration sector. The interim government, which took office in August 2024, has yet to prioritize this issue, even as experts and activists call for immediate action.

From reopening closed markets to diversifying destinations and building a skilled labour force, the road ahead demands decisive leadership and coordinated efforts. Holding irregularities in check, improving governance, and restoring the country’s reputation as a reliable source of labour are essential for sustaining the sector in the long term.

The challenges are significant, but with a strategic and disciplined approach, Bangladesh can reestablish itself as a trusted partner in the global labour market.

41 thoughts on “Bangladesh Faces Labour Migration Stagnation: Calls for Sector Overhaul Intensify”

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