SANGSAD BHABAN, July 14, 2026 - Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury announced today that the government has decided to form an inter-ministerial committee to make services for Bangladeshi expatriates easier, better coordinated, and free from harassment. The announcement was made in response to a call attention notice on matters of urgent public importance raised by Independent MP from Brahmanbaria-2, Rumeen Farhana, in the Jatiya Sangsad.
The minister highlighted that passport renewal, airport harassment, visa-related issues, and other services for expatriates involve several ministries and agencies. The proposed committee, comprising representatives from relevant ministries and organizations, will review existing problems in a coordinated manner and recommend necessary measures.
Ariful Haque Choudhury emphasized the government’s commitment to the welfare of Bangladeshi expatriates. He noted that the Wage Earners’ Welfare Board ensures the prompt repatriation of the bodies of deceased expatriate workers, including financial and burial assistance. In the fiscal year 2025-26, a total of TK 18.59 crore was distributed among the families of 5,312 deceased expatriate workers.
The minister also mentioned that the Wage Earners’ Welfare Board operates five ambulances to transport the bodies of deceased expatriates and sick returnee workers to their homes. Families of expatriates holding emigration clearance or board membership receive TK 300,000 within two months of the worker’s death, while sick returnee workers are eligible for medical assistance of up to TK 200,000.
Furthermore, the government is regularly monitoring 181 enlisted medical centers responsible for conducting health examinations of outgoing migrant workers. Legal action is taken against any center found guilty of charging excessive fees or committing irregularities. The minister assured that the government is working to curb illegal and risky migration and facilitate low-cost overseas employment through legal channels.
