Bangladesh Sends 930,003 Workers Abroad in 2024

Labour exports from Bangladesh to several countries, including Oman, Bahrain, and Malaysia, remain suspended due to irregularities in the migration process, impacting the economy reliant on remittances. Experts warn that prolonged closures could lead to a collapse in the migration sector, leaving Bangladesh overly dependent on Saudi Arabia for unskilled labor.

Italy has promised to clear 20,000 pending visa applications for Bangladeshi nationals by December, Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain said. After discussions with the Italian ambassador, it was agreed that Italy will speed up the process by increasing staff at its Dhaka embassy.

Every day, 350 to 400 migrant workers return to Bangladesh, mainly from Saudi Arabia, due to rising Iqama fees now at 11,000 Saudi riyals per year. This increase has led to a nearly $1 billion drop in remittances from Saudi Arabia in 2023 compared to two years ago. Many workers return empty-handed, and a significant number are becoming undocumented as employers resist paying the high fees.

Ami Probashi Limited has partnered with Grameen Digital Healthcare Solutions to enhance healthcare access for Bangladeshi migrant workers through telemedicine. The agreement, signed on September 18, aims to provide essential healthcare services to expatriates via the Shukhee app, allowing them to consult specialist doctors remotely through video calls.

Saudi Arabia has become a popular destination for Bangladeshi bikers, with around 10,000 motorcyclists securing jobs in the country’s food delivery sector. An additional 550 bikers are needed within a month. The recruitment process is transparent, and a job fair will be held on September 21 at the Bangladesh-Korea Technical Training Centre in Dhaka to recruit the remaining bikers. Applicants must have passed SSC exams, possess two years of riding experience, and be aged between 21 and 36.