Ensure safe migration of migrant women

Due to a lack of opportunities and low income in the country, countless Bangladeshis migrate abroad every year in search of better earnings prospects. Over the past few years, alongside male migrant workers, the number of female migrant workers is also rapidly increasing. These female workers mainly engage in domestic work in Middle Eastern countries. However, these workers are frequently subjected to various forms of physical, mental, and sexual abuse.

Especially, a significant portion of the women who went abroad in hopes of changing their fortunes have returned to the country due to reproductive health issues. However, they feel ashamed and afraid to disclose such illnesses to their families. Even out of fear of societal stigma, they hesitate to seek medical treatment openly. As a result, these remittance warriors become mentally distressed due to this matter.

Over the past three decades, more than 11 million female workers have migrated from Bangladesh to various countries, with Saudi Arabia hosting the largest number of them according to government statistics. These female migrant workers play a significant role in boosting Bangladesh's foreign currency reserves. So why is the government so indifferent to ensuring their safety and well-being?

In recent years, thousands of female migrant workers have returned home from there, having faced various forms of abuse. Returning female migrant workers are providing accounts of the different types of abuse they experienced while abroad.

These women lack knowledge about reproductive health. Additionally, factors such as lack of hygiene, lack of access to medical care, contribute to their reproductive health problems. Furthermore, most impoverished women in the country are unaware of reproductive health issues. They are not provided with any information on this matter before being sent abroad. Furthermore, the majority of employers abroad, especially in countries like Saudi Arabia or other relevant destinations, are not diligent about the health of their domestic workers. As a result, they are exposed to health risks. In this regard, contracts with Saudi Arabia or relevant countries should prioritize women's health issues. Additionally, before sending female workers abroad, they must be educated and made aware of reproductive health matters.

It is known that Bangladeshi female migrant workers abroad do not have adequate health insurance. Even in cases where health insurance is provided, it often does not cover the reproductive health issues that returning migrant women face. As a result, they are unable to access necessary medical treatment. As a result, they become a concern for their families. Many migrant workers are vulnerable to mortality. Therefore, it is essential to base this insurance on the diseases that migrant workers return with.

Many female migrant workers returning from abroad are so psychologically traumatized that they do not want to speak to anyone at the airport. Therefore, counseling for these women who have been subjected to abuse while working abroad is very crucial.

Furthermore, it is necessary to investigate the causes of death for the female workers returning to the country. Despite reports of heart attacks, signs of abuse may be present in their bodies. If any returning migrant worker comes back with a child resulting from rape, the responsibility for that child should be taken by the state. Rehabilitation and employment arrangements should be made for the returning women workers. In this regard, Pravasi Kalyan Bank should be made more expatriate friendly.

In addition, the government must exercise increased caution regarding the deployment of female workers to countries, including those in the Middle East, with which agreements have been made. Ensuring the inclusion of weekly and annual leave provisions for female workers must be guaranteed in these agreements. Furthermore, it is imperative to prioritize their salaries, healthcare services, and food security. Alongside, it is crucial to bring accountability to intermediaries, both domestic and foreign, by implementing stringent legal frameworks. Therefore, effective measures involving the government and all relevant stakeholders must be taken promptly to ensure the safe migration of Bangladeshi women, particularly in the Middle East. So, it is imperative to take proactive steps right now.