Staff Reporter :
The recent surge in the repatriation of irregular Bangladeshi migrants from Libya has sparked both humanitarian and economic concerns for Bangladesh.
With the country heavily reliant on remittances from migrant workers, the return of those detained abroad underscores the challenges of irregular migration.
Despite the government’s efforts to promote legal migration, many continue to undertake perilous journeys in search of better economic opportunities.
On Friday, a significant group of 154 Bangladeshi citizens, who had been living in precarious conditions in Tripoli and its surrounding areas, were repatriated to Bangladesh.
This return was facilitated through a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
The group was flown home on a chartered Buraq Air flight, arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 7:00 a.m.
Upon their arrival, the returnees were greeted by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside representatives from the IOM, who provided immediate assistance.
Each individual received Tk 6,000 (approximately $51) as well as essential food items, medical care, and temporary accommodation where necessary.
The IOM’s support has been pivotal in helping these individuals reintegrate into their communities after enduring the hardships of irregular migration.
This recent wave of returns highlights the persistent issue of irregular migration from Bangladesh.
Despite the government’s consistent advocacy for legal migration pathways, many citizens continue to risk dangerous journeys abroad.
These irregular migrants, when detained, not only face humanitarian crises but also tarnish Bangladesh’s international image.
Only a week earlier, on 13 September, another group of at least 150 Bangladeshi citizens were repatriated from Libya after being held in detention camps, specifically at the Ganfuda Detention Centre.
These frequent repatriations reflect the dire circumstances many migrants find themselves in, often trapped in cycles of exploitation and hardship.
The Bangladeshi government is facing growing pressure to address the root causes of irregular migration.
As part of its broader strategy, the government is focusing on creating more job opportunities at home and raising awareness about the dangers of illegal migration.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasised the importance of using legal channels for migration, which not only protect the rights of workers but also contribute to the country’s economy through remittances.
However, the financial burden of repatriating irregular migrants remains a significant challenge for the government.
Each repatriation involves complex logistical arrangements and considerable financial resources to support the reintegration of returnees into society.
As more citizens return home, the need for sustainable solutions to the underlying factors driving migration becomes increasingly urgent.
In their ongoing efforts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli, and the IOM are working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of Bangladeshi citizens detained in various detention centres across Libya.
Their collaborative approach aims not only to bring back migrants safely but also to provide them with the necessary support to rebuild their lives.