State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Haque has stated that the government is working intensively to ensure the welfare, safety, and rights of Bangladeshi expatriate workers and to resolve their problems, particularly those working in Middle Eastern countries. He made these remarks while responding to an emergency notice raised under Rule 71 by BNP lawmaker M Mobasser Alam Bhuiyan of Cumilla-10 at the Jatiya Sangsad on Sunday. Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal was in the chair.
Describing expatriates as "brand ambassadors" of Bangladesh, the state minister emphasized their vital role in the country's economy and overall development. "Ensuring the security and rights of Bangladeshi expatriates, resolving their problems, and ensuring their overall welfare are among the government's top priorities," he said.
The government has established 30 labour welfare wings in 27 countries to provide services to Bangladeshi overseas workers. Additionally, 22 law firms offer legal assistance to distressed expatriates through 13 consulate offices in 11 countries. Three safe homes are operated in Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and Muscat in Oman to support Bangladeshi women workers.
Legal assistance, including arbitration and mediation, is provided to expatriate workers who face fraud, abuse, or other forms of injustice, based on allegations received. Referring to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, Nurul Haque mentioned that the visas of nearly 4,000 Bangladeshis who own businesses and shops in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been cancelled. The government is working through diplomatic channels to resolve this issue.
The government is coordinating efforts among the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide maximum support to Bangladeshi citizens abroad. The Wage Earners' Welfare Board is also providing welfare services to expatriates holding Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training (BMET) cards.
The government offers up to Tk 3,35,000 in assistance for the medical treatment of expatriate workers who fall ill abroad. It also offers scholarships to the meritorious children of expatriates, support for persons with disabilities, and assistance in repatriating and burying the remains of workers who die abroad. The state minister said the government is also prioritizing employment generation for unemployed youths and developing skilled manpower for overseas employment.
Reducing migration costs and ensuring safe and dignified employment are among the government's priorities. Nurul Haque said the Prime Minister had emphasized increasing the number of skilled Bangladeshi workers abroad and creating opportunities for white-collar jobs beyond traditional labour markets. Accordingly, instructions have been given to Bangladeshi missions abroad, while labour market demand is being mapped through online meetings with different countries. "Bangladesh's workforce is being prepared with necessary training based on the demands of various countries," he added.
