Bangladeshi workers, students abroad complain of inadequate support, harassment at missions despite vital remittance contributions

Bangladeshi migrant workers, students and professionals continue facing severe service deprivation at embassies abroad despite their substantial contributions to the national economy, according to complaints gathered until this International Migrants Day.

Migrants allege consistent failures by Bangladeshi missions to provide adequate services, alongside reports of harassment and bribery. Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment is observing International Migrants Day 2025 and National Expatriates Day 2025 today to mark the occasion.

Thousands of Bangladeshi students travel worldwide annually for higher education. Many work alongside studies and send remittances home, contributing significantly to economic development. However, students report embassies fail to provide expected support and rarely work generously for citizens' needs.

Abul Hossain, a PhD student in Russia, told Kaler Kantho that despite growing numbers of Bangladeshi students and workers in Russia, embassies provide no proper guidance or initiatives to engage with students. "Although there is a hotline service, calls are rarely answered," Hossain said.

Naim, a student in Malaysia, reported that any embassy task requires excessive time. "Even when following proper procedures, unnecessary complications are often created," he said.

Professional migrants face similar difficulties. Masud Rana, a worker in Malaysia, complained about persistent passport-related harassment. After receiving passports from High Commission, activation at e-scale requires two additional days. "High Commission could complete the process at once if it wished," Rana said, adding that limited call centre expansion makes communication difficult.

Sajedul Haque, a professional in Italy living with family, said securing embassy appointments for land, family and relatives' matters has become extremely difficult.

SM Mahbubul Alam, Director General of Public Diplomacy Division at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, blamed middlemen for creating such problems. He claimed brokers mislead service seekers and create complications, though issues are gradually decreasing.

Interim government has failed to reopen key labour markets including Malaysia, Oman and United Arab Emirates after one year in power. Previously closed nine labour markets remain shut, causing declining overseas employment numbers and raising fears of manpower export sector collapse.

Saudi Arabia remains Bangladesh's largest labour market, absorbing 50 to 60 percent of overseas workers annually. This year up to 16th December, 10 lakh 71 thousand 570 workers went abroad, with 7 lakh 12 thousand 44 travelling to Saudi Arabia, representing 50.49 percent. However, workers face new complications including mandatory Taqamul certificate requirements and problems with iqama, employment and wages.

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus acknowledged that expatriate Bangladeshis play invaluable roles in the country's economy and progress. He noted remittances sent by migrant workers are vital for keeping national economy moving.