Play store
At least 1,687 Bangladeshi female migrant workers returned home from abroad between January and September this year, with 979 coming from Saudi Arabia amid allegations of abuse, exploitation and unsafe working conditions.
According to the Expatriate Welfare Desk at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Saudi Arabia accounted for 58.62% of the returning workers. Jordan followed with 227 women, the United Arab Emirates with 78, India with 52 and Malaysia with 48.
Many returnees have alleged physical and mental abuse, sexual harassment, unpaid wages, excessive workloads and restrictions on their movement while working as domestic workers.
Shila Begum, who returned from Saudi Arabia in April, said she had been forced to work day and night, received inadequate food and slept in a kitchen. She described her life there as being like a prisoner.
Another returnee, Jahanara Begum, alleged that her employer harassed her sexually and abused her when she refused his advances.
The issue has renewed concerns over the safety of Bangladeshi migrant workers, particularly women employed as domestic workers in Saudi Arabia.
A 2025 study by the Ovibashi Karmi Unnayan Program (OKUP) found that 94% of female workers who returned home involuntarily had experienced regular physical and mental abuse, while 47% reported sexual harassment.
Migration expert Asif Munier said Bangladesh should diversify overseas employment opportunities and provide women with technical training to help them enter sectors beyond domestic work, including manufacturing and construction.
He also called for safer accommodation, such as hostels or dormitories, and stronger protections through bilateral agreements.
Officials at the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment said legal assistance was available in 13 countries and that a safe house operated in Saudi Arabia. They said efforts were underway to ensure safer and more orderly migration.
The concerns come amid renewed scrutiny of Bangladesh’s diplomatic oversight following the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals in Mecca without prior notification to Dhaka, prompting the government to seek details from Saudi authorities.
Bangladesh sent more than 1.13 million workers abroad in 2025, including around 755,000 to Saudi Arabia, highlighting the country’s continued dependence on the Saudi labour market.
