Staff Reporter :
The total number of Bangladeshi workers migrating abroad dropped by 27.40 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to an annual report published on Wednesday.
The number fell to nearly 1.01 million in 2024, down from 1.39 million in 2023. In 2022, 1.13 million workers had gone abroad, though migration had significantly declined during 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as noted in the report by Ami Probashi, a digital platform supporting migrant workers.
The report identified the political and economic turmoil of July 2024 as a major factor contributing to the decline in migration numbers. Despite this downturn, remittance inflows to Bangladesh saw a remarkable 22 per cent year-on-year increase, rising to nearly $27 billion in 2024, up from $21.92 billion in 2023, according to central bank data.
A decline in migration was particularly noticeable between May and September 2024. Monthly figures show that 54,725 workers migrated in June, 71,080 in July, 52,818 in August, and 64,157 in September. However, since October, migration began to recover, with 104,811 workers going abroad in that month alone.
Saudi Arabia remained the largest destination for Bangladeshi workers, recruiting 627,000 individuals in 2024, which accounted for approximately 63 per cent of all foreign employment from Bangladesh.
These roles predominantly included construction workers, cleaners, masons, plumbers, and drivers. In 2023, Saudi Arabia had recruited 498,000 workers, representing over one-third of Bangladesh’s total migrant workforce.
Malaysia, which had reopened its labour market to Bangladeshi workers in 2023, emerged as the second-largest employer internationally. However, the Southeast Asian nation recruited only 93,000 workers in 2024, a sharp decline from the 351,000 hired in 2023.
Employment opportunities in Malaysia spanned diverse sectors such as manufacturing, construction, services, plantations, agriculture, mining, and household services.
Despite the overall decline, female participation in migration increased significantly. Registrations with the Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training (BMET) showed that women accounted for 4.79 per cent of the total registrations in 2024, up from 2.78 per cent in 2023.
This doubling of female participation reflects a positive shift in gender dynamics in overseas employment.
In 2024, a total of 798,276 individuals registered with BMET, up from 660,088 in 2023. Although men continued to dominate the migrant labour force, the rise in female registration suggests growing opportunities and acceptance of women in skilled and semi-skilled professions abroad.
The report also highlighted a shift in women’s preferences, with many moving away from conventional domestic roles towards professional occupations. A notable number of women enrolled in tech-related training programs such as computer operations, graphic design, and AutoCAD drafting, indicating an increasing interest in higher-skilled roles.
While the decline in migration numbers raises concerns, the significant rise in remittances reflects the continued contributions of overseas workers to Bangladesh’s economy.
The increased participation of women and their shift towards skilled professions marks a promising development in the country’s migration landscape.
However, addressing the challenges that hinder migration and expanding access to diverse employment opportunities remain crucial for sustaining and improving Bangladesh’s overseas labour market.
