Workers under free visas should not be subjected to uncertainty

The lives of Bangladeshi migrant workers are becoming increasingly precarious. Most of the workers are going abroad with loans, borrowing from relatives. Even before reaching their destinations, they are falling into dire situations. In many cases, they are compelled to sell off their lands and meager assets just to go abroad. However, for various reasons, they are forced to return to the country empty-handed. Such news is not pleasent for our country.

Many workers do not even have the assurance of getting a specific job by going abroad. Because they are going for free visa. People of Bangladesh now know what free visa is. Since the beginning of the nineties, the word "free visa" has been uttered in the homes of the low-income people of the country and village. Free visa was a dream then. Many people used to go to different countries of the Middle East including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman through known people (brokers).

To be honest, many of them improved their family's financial situation. A large portion of the prosperity in rural areas of Bangladesh has come from the earnings of these expatriates. However, over the past one and a half decades, the situation has changed significantly. Even in the Middle Eastern countries, labor costs have decreased. There have been many changes professionally as well. As a result, there is not as much demand for Bangladeshi workers in these Middle Eastern countries as before. However, Bangladeshi workers don't stop going. Most of the workers who are now going to Middle Eastern countries are going on free visas. And going on a free visa often means making somewhat suicidal decisions.

From a news article published yesterday, Saturday (April 27), it's learned that every year, millions of workers, including those from the Middle East, return home empty-handed after going to various countries around the world for employment purposes. Those who lack prior experience in the jobs they go abroad for are compelled to do those very jobs. In many cases, they fall victim to fatal accidents. If injured, there's no provision for medical treatment. There's no salary either. Moreover, they face numerous legal violations. As a result, they have no choice but to return home empty-handed. They consider death preferable to returning empty-handed to their families. After returning, the pressure of debt begins.

According to available information, 65 to 70 percent of the manpower sent abroad annually goes on free visas. In these cases, recruiting agencies exchange their documents for money. However, these agencies do not take full responsibility. Ali Haider Chowdhury, the Secretary-General of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA), told the media that there is no single reason for the failure of the workers returning home.

The issue of manpower export is often discussed in Bangladesh, yet there is not much discussion about the return of workers empty-handed. Just last week, Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar visited Bangladesh. During his visit, the topic of manpower export was once again brought up for discussion. Manpower export is a significant aspect of the relationship between Bangladesh and Qatar. Qatar is an important market for Bangladeshi manpower. Currently, nearly four lakh Bangladeshis are working in this country.

During the construction of stadiums and infrastructure for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, a significant number of workers from Bangladesh have contributed. However, like many other countries, Qatar now also seeks skilled workers from Bangladesh. Qatar is currently interested in hiring skilled individuals from Bangladesh in various fields, including healthcare and engineering. However, Bangladesh has also requested Qatar to consider employing semi-skilled workers. Qatar has shown a positive attitude towards this request.

Government-managed manpower export ensures workers' access to specific jobs with certainty. Despite various legal complexities, workers are protected. In this regard, there's no need to resort to middlemen or recruiting agencies. The government's increased awareness and involvement in manpower export is our goal. Policy makers should also consider why Bangladeshi workers are failing and returning from various countries, including Qatar, and how they are becoming victims of exploitation. Workers must not be subjected to any form of uncertainty. We must remember that the contribution of migrant workers to Bangladesh's development is boundless.