The number of migrant workers returning home is increasing at an alarming rate. Every day migrant workers are returning from Middle East countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan.
Returning workers say many of them have ‘Aqama’ (valid document) or work documents. Still, they do not know why they are returning.
Sources of the BRAC migration program working with expatriates say that a total of 64638 workers have returned to the country in last in 2019. Of these, only 25 thousand 789 have returned from Saudi Arabia. And 15 thousand 389 from Malaysia, 6 thousand 117 from the UAE, 7311from Oman, 2525 from the Maldives, 2012 from Qatar, 1448 from Bahrain and 479 from Kuwait in empty hand.
Lastly on January 23; 217 Bangladeshis returned from Saudi Arabia. Among the returnees are Sujan Mia and his brother Mintu Mia of Delduar Upazila in Tangail district. Sujan spent five lakh rupees to go to Saudi Arabia just four months ago while Mintu went 20 months ago. Mintu Akama's tenure is still five months left but the employer has not made Sujan’s Akama. But police arrested the two brothers on their way back from the workplace and deported to the country later.
Shoaib Ahmed of Kishoreganj told barta24.com, "I have been in the textile business in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for last 12 years. I used to earn good money and I had money in my shop. I gave Kofil (owner) two lakh rupees and Tk 3 lakh in advance of the shop. The Saudi police took me off the road, despite everything being fine. Later they sent me back to my country.
On the other hand, the women workers who are the worst sufferer migrants have been keeping the wheels of Bangladesh economy. They are being subjected to physical, mental or even sexual abuse. As of till November last year, the bodies of 129 women have come Middle Eastern countries. Of these 57 bodies returned from Saudi Arabia only. Of those, 24 women committed suicide.
Among those returnees this month are Selina Akhter and Shamima Begum of Brahmanbaria. They worked as housekeepers. In the face of torture, they first escaped from the employer's home and took shelter in Jeddah. 15 other women joined them. Later they all returned home.
Concerned quarters of the government are also raising questions about incidents involving women workers abroad. Recently, in the Jatiyo Sangsad there was demand not to send women workers abroad.
Asked about the overall status of the expatriate, Shariful Hassan, head of BRAC's immigration program, told barta24.com that if I speak of women, the bodies of 152 women from Saudi Arabia alone have returned to country in the last four years. 31 of them committed suicide The cause of death of the rest is not clear Considering the situation, it is better not to send women as domestic helps rather as nurses, garments workers or any other profession.
He added that none of the male workers who went months ago were able to earn money for expenses. When there will be meetings with the concerned countries there must be the issue of women workers alongside male workers. In the name of free visa, the fraudulent practices must be stopped.