Published: 10:46 PM, 18 September 2026
Overseas Employment for Expatriate Bangladeshis Faces Unstable Plight
Rifat Rafique Badhan
Overseas employment has long been a major source of livelihood for millions of Bangladeshis and an important pillar of the country's economy. Every year, thousands of workers leave Bangladesh in search of better wages and employment opportunities in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe and other regions. Their remittances contribute significantly to household incomes and help strengthen the country's foreign-exchange reserves. However, despite its economic importance, overseas employment for Bangladeshi workers continues to face a number of serious challenges, leaving many expatriate workers in an unstable and vulnerable situation.
For many families, migration is seen as a pathway out of poverty. Workers often sell land, borrow money from relatives or take loans at high interest rates to finance the cost of going abroad. They leave their families behind with the expectation that their income will improve living standards and secure a better future for their children. Unfortunately, the reality does not always match those expectations.
One of the major problems is the high cost of migration. In many cases, workers have to spend a large amount of money to obtain visas, arrange travel and complete recruitment procedures. When the initial cost becomes excessive, migrants may spend years repaying loans before they can begin saving money. This creates financial pressure even before they start working abroad.
Recruitment practices are another major concern. Although the government has introduced various measures to regulate recruiting agencies and protect migrant workers, complaints about excessive fees, misleading information and fraudulent recruitment continue to emerge. Some workers are promised well-paid jobs but discover after reaching their destination that the actual salary, working conditions or job responsibilities are different from what they were told.
Contract-related problems can also make migrant workers vulnerable. Workers may sign contracts in Bangladesh without fully understanding their terms and conditions. In some cases, disputes arise over wages, working hours, accommodation, food, medical facilities or other benefits. Workers who are unfamiliar with local laws or language may find it difficult to seek justice when their contractual rights are violated.
The working environment in some destination countries presents another challenge. Migrant workers are often employed in construction, domestic work, agriculture, manufacturing, cleaning, transport and other physically demanding sectors. These occupations can involve long working hours and occupational risks. Workers may also face extreme weather conditions, inadequate accommodation and limited access to healthcare.
The situation of female migrant workers deserves particular attention. Many Bangladeshi women migrate abroad as domestic workers or caregivers. While overseas employment can provide them with valuable economic opportunities, some face isolation, abuse, harassment and difficulties in accessing legal assistance. Because they may work inside private homes, monitoring their working conditions can be particularly difficult.
Changes in international labour markets also contribute to uncertainty. Economic slowdowns, political instability, conflicts, changes in immigration policies and fluctuations in demand for foreign labour can affect employment opportunities. A worker who travels abroad expecting long-term employment may suddenly face reduced working hours, job termination or difficulties renewing a work permit.
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how vulnerable migrant workers can be during global crises. Many expatriate Bangladeshis lost their jobs or experienced salary reductions during the pandemic. Some became stranded in foreign countries, while others returned home after losing their sources of income. The crisis highlighted the need for stronger social protection and emergency assistance for migrant workers.
Despite these challenges, overseas workers remain a vital part of Bangladesh's economic and social landscape. Remittances sent by expatriate Bangladeshis support millions of families. They help pay for education, healthcare, housing and food and contribute to investment in local communities. Remittance income also supports the national economy by bringing in foreign currency.
At the same time, destination countries also have responsibilities. Migrant workers should be treated according to national labour laws and international standards. Employers should honour employment contracts, pay wages on time, ensure safe working conditions and provide appropriate access to healthcare and legal remedies. Cooperation between Bangladesh and destination countries is essential for protecting workers' rights.
Ultimately, migration should be an opportunity rather than a source of exploitation and uncertainty. Protecting expatriate Bangladeshis requires cooperation among the government, recruiting agencies, employers, destination countries, civil society and the workers themselves. Only through coordinated efforts can Bangladesh ensure that its migrant workers receive fair treatment and that the benefits of overseas employment reach both the workers and the country they represent.
Rifat Rafique Badhan is a
freelancer and a columnist.
