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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the government is firmly committed to improving facilities for Bangladeshi migrant workers around the world and ensuring their rights, dignity and welfare.
He made the remarks while responding to a question from reserved women’s seat MP Mosammat Shammi Akter during the question-and-answer session in Parliament on Wednesday. The session was chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.
Noting that more than 15 million Bangladeshi workers are currently employed in 176 countries, the prime minister described them as “remittance warriors” and highlighted their significant contribution to the country’s overall economic development.
He outlined a range of government measures aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of Bangladeshi workers abroad.
Tarique said 30 labour welfare wings are currently operating in Bangladesh missions in 27 countries to provide migrant workers with administrative advice, legal assistance and various welfare services.
To ensure legal protection and access to justice for Bangladeshi workers overseas, professional law firms or panel lawyers have already been appointed at the labour welfare wings of 11 missions as an initial measure, he said.
The government has also established special “safe homes” at relevant diplomatic missions to ensure the swift rescue, repatriation and temporary shelter of female migrant workers who face danger or difficulties at their workplaces.
Discussing measures to address problems faced by migrant workers, the prime minister said special outpasses are issued to facilitate their return home if they encounter difficulties involving travel documents or passports.
The government is also providing legal assistance to secure the release of Bangladeshi workers detained in foreign detention centres or prisons and working to resolve disputes and other problems that arise between workers and their employers, he said.
If a Bangladeshi worker dies abroad, the body is repatriated at the expense of the Wage Earners’ Welfare Board. The government also bears the medical expenses of workers who become seriously ill, he said.
Tarique cited the recent safe repatriation of Bangladeshi workers stranded in Iran amid political instability in the Middle East as an example of the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
Describing services available to expatriates inside Bangladesh, the prime minister said special desks of the Wage Earners’ Welfare Board at the country’s three international airports facilitate the swift handover of deceased migrant workers’ bodies to their families.
Families are also provided with a Tk 35,000 cheque to cover immediate transportation and burial expenses, he said.
Four ambulances, including two refrigerated ambulances, have been attached to the airports to help transport sick or deceased workers to their homes quickly.
Through expatriate welfare desks at the airports, arriving and departing passengers receive assistance with immigration procedures, luggage wrapping and discounted meals at expatriate cafés, where they receive a 30% discount. Free Wi-Fi and telephone services are also available.
At the Wage Earners’ Centre near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, expatriate passengers can access accommodation, affordable meals and transport facilities for Tk 200, he said.
The government has also introduced social protection measures to safeguard migrant workers and their families.
Before travelling abroad, workers can obtain five-year comprehensive death insurance coverage of Tk 1 million for a premium of only Tk 1,000, the prime minister said.
If a worker dies abroad, the family receives an immediate grant of Tk 300,000. Medical assistance for migrant workers who return home after suffering serious injuries or illness has also been increased from Tk 100,000 to up to Tk 200,000.
Scholarships are provided to meritorious children of expatriate families, while the monthly allowance for children with disabilities has been doubled from Tk 1,000 to Tk 2,000.
To protect expatriates’ property and assets and prevent harassment while they are in Bangladesh, “Expatriate Help Desks” at the offices of deputy commissioners and superintendents of police in every district are playing an active role, he said.
Under the RAISE project, 253,000 returnee migrant workers have received special training and financial assistance to create self-employment opportunities and support sustainable reintegration, Tarique said.
He added that expatriate Bangladeshis can also seek assistance from the 24-hour toll-free Probashi Call Centre in emergencies.