Political unrest still impacts manpower export sector
Staff Reporter :
The crucial manpower export sector is grappling with significant challenges as political unrest continues to impact the industry.
The sector, which has long been vital for the country’s economy, is struggling due to ongoing disruptions at the relevant government offices.
According to stakeholders in the migration sector, political instability has severely hampered manpower exports.
The offices of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment have yet to resume normal operations, exacerbating the situation.
Data from the Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training (BMET) highlights a sharp decline in manpower exports over recent months.
In May 2024, approximately 131,696 workers left the country for overseas employment. However, this number fell dramatically
to 55,045 in June.
Although there was a slight recovery in July with 71,441 workers departing, the sector remains under strain.
Most of the exported manpower has been directed to a few Middle Eastern countries.
In May, 53,254 workers were sent to Saudi Arabia. This number dropped to 30,895 in June, but increased again to 47,863 in July, representing more than half of the total migration from Bangladesh that month.
Additionally, 6,334 workers went to the United Arab Emirates and 4,808 to Qatar in July.
Leaders and members of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) have expressed concern over the closure of other significant labour markets, including Malaysia, Brunei, Bahrain, and Oman.
They urge the government to take strong measures to reopen these markets, although such efforts seem to be delayed.
Migration expert M M Badsha noted that the Expatriates’ Welfare Ministry, along with the Foreign Ministry, plays a crucial role in creating and expanding labour markets abroad.
However, new priorities and challenges, including strengthening diplomatic relations for the post-Hasina era, have diverted attention.
“The Foreign Ministry has been preoccupied with other issues, such as handling the return of alleged culprits and managing financial matters abroad,” Badsha told The New Nation.
He also pointed out that the political turmoil has caused considerable disruptions for migrants, including delays in obtaining immigration certificates and boarding flights.
Ali Haider Chowdhury, a freedom fighter and BAIRA member, echoed these sentiments, stating, “The unrest and curfews severely impacted the manpower export sector, causing numerous difficulties for migrants.”
Mohammed Fakhrul Islam, Joint Secretary General-1 of BAIRA, acknowledged the challenges faced due to the apparent reluctance of ministry officials to carry out their duties during the current situation.
Despite these issues, he remains hopeful for positive changes as the government stabilises.
An anonymous official from the Expatriates’ Welfare Ministry revealed to The New Nation that no files have been processed since the ousting of the previous administration.
Ruhul Amin, Secretary of the Expatriates’ Welfare Ministry, declined to comment until he received further instructions from the responsible Adviser.