Bangladeshi Migrant Workers at the Mercy of Political Changes

20 Aug

Bangladesh is South Asia’s youngest country where labour migration is commonplace.[1] According to a Bangladeshi Government publication, there are two most common patterns of labour migration from the country; one to the industrialised Global North and another to the Middle East and Southeast Asian countries.[2] The Bangladeshi Government distinguishes the aforementioned two main patterns based on professions and residency duration; Bangladeshi migrant workers moving to the Global North tend to belong to the “highly skilled” classes of occupations, such as doctors, lawyers, and engineers, and also tend to reside much longer overseas, while migrants heading to the Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian countries tend to transiently reside there and belong to what are considered to be “low-skilled” occupations, such as domestic workers, cleaners, and labourers.[3]

Uncertainties at Home and Abroad

While there has been no published empirical research on migrant workers’ specific vulnerabilities during the ongoing political crisis, recent developments point out to how Bangladeshi workers, both at home and abroad, are at the mercy of political and policy changes.

At home, due to government-sanctioned curfews in Dhaka,[4] it was difficult, if not impossible, for Bangladeshi migrant workers to visit licensed employment agencies, which are mostly based in or around the city.[5] Contacting licensed employment agencies online was difficult as well when the Bangladeshi Government ordered internet shutdown last month.[6] Limited access to regulated employment agencies may have put migrant workers at risk of engaging unlicensed and predatory recruiters or dalal syndicates.

Overseas Bangladeshis were also not spared from the crisis at home. Many Bangladeshi migrant workers in Malaysia reportedly encountered difficulties in remitting their income and connecting with their families due to the internet shutdown.[7] Additionally, Malaysia’s moratorium on Bangladeshi workforce admission after 31 May 2024 has put more than 17,000 Bangladeshi migrant workers with valid visas in limbo.[8]

Across the Causeway in Singapore, many Bangladeshi construction workers became anxious about their family members back home after internet shutdown made their communication increasingly difficult.[9] Last month’s internet shutdown also affected employment of Singapore-bound migrant workers who were still in Bangladesh as they could not obtain necessary documents uploaded online.[10]

Despite some semblance of normalcy after the change of power, such as restoration of internet connection and resumption of visa issuance to Bangladeshis by countries like India[11] and Saudi Arabia,[12] the general situation in the country remains volatile. Hindu communities in Bangladesh reported attacks by communal mobs and provocateurs,[13] another wave of inflation is looming,[14] and street standoffs between conflicting factions continue.[15]

Such ongoing domestic troubles potentially prolong uncertainties for Bangladeshi migrant workers, including those overseas and those looking for job opportunities overseas. Such uncertainties may, in turn, increase migrant workers’ vulnerability to dalals and trafficking in persons syndicates, who operate along Bangladesh-Qatar[16] and Bangladesh-Malaysia[17] migration corridors, among others.

Looking Forward without Leaving the Most Vulnerable Behind

After the resignation of Sheikh Hashina, 2006 Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has taken the helm of the country as its Chief Advisor, a position equivalent to that of a Prime Minister.[18] In his first few days as the country’s de-facto head of government, Muhammad Yunus has issued several statements to allay worries about the country’s future.[19] He has issued verbal statements guaranteeing minorities’ rights, freedom of speech, human rights, and equality before the law.[20] As the new interim government just clocks in for work and as the nation moves past its former regime, Bangladesh should not leave the most vulnerable people, including minorities, refugees, and migrant workers, behind.

Sources:

[1]https://bmet.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/bmet.portal.gov.bd/publications/af50023f_5031_4cc4_8913_47c580fe858a/Migration-BOEP.pdf

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/bangladesh-army-enforces-curfew-student-led-protests-spiral-2024-07-20/

[5] https://www.baira.org.bd/dir/all-member-list

[6] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/bangladesh-protests-foreign-workers-construction-sheikh-hasina-yunus-4539361

[7] https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/08/15/hope-in-the-shadows-a-tale-of-bangladeshi-migrants-in-malaysia/

[8] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-migrant-workers-bangladesh-visas-jobs-immigration-4382271

[9] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/bangladesh-protests-foreign-workers-construction-sheikh-hasina-yunus-4539361

[10] Ibid.

[11] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/latest-updates/indian-visa-centre-in-dhaka-resumes-limited-operations/articleshow/112492260.cms?from=mdr