Take swift action to address migrant workers’ crisis

On the one hand, political and economic insecurity in the country is driving many people abroad in search of a more secure life. On the other hand, Bangladeshis are being sent back from foreign countries for lacking valid documents. According to information published in the media last Thursday (25 September), 52 Bangladeshis are being deported from Italy, Austria, Greece and Cyprus on charges of living without proper documents. In the first phase, 32 of them, all men, were scheduled to return on a chartered flight to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday. The return date of the remaining 20 is not yet known.

According to reports, the relevant embassies and immigration authorities have been exchanging letters for several days regarding the deportation of Bangladeshis. This information was confirmed by Bangladesh immigration sources on Wednesday. Immigration officials stated that the names, addresses and passport details of the deportees have already been handed over to the Bangladesh authorities. After verification, they will be received at the airport. Prior to this, multiple groups of Bangladeshis had been deported from the United States as well.

From the beginning of 2024 until September, at least 187 Bangladeshis have been sent back from the United States. Officials said that in Europe, ‘Frontex’—the European border security agency—is identifying illegal entrants. After returning to Bangladesh, BRAC is providing them with reception, financial assistance and counselling. BRAC’s research shows that those aged between 26 and 40 are most likely to attempt migration to Europe, with the 31 to 35 age group being the largest. Most of those who return come from Madaripur, Shariatpur, Faridpur, Sylhet, Sunamganj, Munshiganj, Noakhali, Brahmanbaria and Cumilla.

We know how much hope these workers carry in their hearts, how much hardship they endure, often even risking their lives, to reach foreign lands. News of deaths in accidents along the way is common. Since Donald Trump came to power, the lives of undocumented migrants in the United States have become more difficult. European countries, too, have begun to take tougher measures.

What then is the solution? For many, obtaining valid documents is impossible; yet they can neither survive at home nor abroad. What should they do? There is no alternative to creating employment opportunities within the country. At the same time, the government must seek legal pathways for migration abroad. This requires building a well-functioning, prosperous economy. The uncertainty that countless people in Bangladesh live under today is a reflection of this. We must remember that it is these migrant workers who keep the wheels of the national economy turning by sending remittances. Therefore, the government must act swiftly and take appropriate measures to address the problems and crises facing migrant workers.