Over 15m Bangladeshis working in 176 countries: Expatriates’ Welfare Minister

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has said that more than 15 million Bangladeshi workers are currently employed in 176 countries worldwide, highlighting the government’s commitment to protecting their rights, dignity, and welfare.

He made the remarks on Sunday in the parliament in response to a written question from Kushtia-3 lawmaker Md. Amir Hamza. The session was presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed during the eighth sitting of the first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad.

The minister said expatriate Bangladeshis—often referred to as “remittance warriors”—play a vital role in the national economy, and the current government has undertaken a wide range of initiatives to ensure their welfare, both abroad and at home. He also alleged that expatriate welfare had been “seriously neglected” during the tenure of the previous “fascist” government.

“To strengthen support for migrant workers overseas, the government has expanded institutional and legal assistance through Bangladeshi missions. Currently, 30 labour welfare wings in 27 countries are being funded annually by the Wage Earners’ Welfare Board, with additional manpower and logistical support provided locally,” he added.

“Legal aid services have been introduced through appointed lawyers and panel law firms in at least 11 missions to help workers recover compensation in cases of death and resolve disputes. Missions are also facilitating travel passes for workers facing passport-related complications and conducting regular visits to prisons and detention centres to provide legal assistance and secure the release of detained Bangladeshis,” the minister said.

Labour welfare officials are actively visiting workplaces and accommodations to resolve disputes with employers, ensure payment of wages and benefits, and improve living conditions. Special measures have been taken to protect female workers, including rescue operations, repatriation, and the establishment of safe homes under embassy supervision.

The minister added that embassy officials regularly visit hospitals to ensure proper treatment of injured or ill workers and organize awareness programmes on local laws and regulations. Missions also maintain coordination with host country authorities—including ministries of labour, interior, and foreign affairs—to address workers’ issues.

Among notable initiatives, a new building is being constructed at the Bangladesh School in Bahrain with funding from the Welfare Board to support the education of expatriate workers’ children, the minister told the House.

“The government also ensures the repatriation of deceased workers’ bodies at state expense and provides financial support for medical treatment when employers fail to do so. Workers stranded due to political unrest, natural disasters, or crises—such as the recent situation in Iran—are being brought back safely with financial assistance”.

“Additionally, undocumented and unregistered Bangladeshis are being incorporated into the Welfare Board’s database through embassies, while a 24/7 expatriate call centre is operational to address grievances”.

According to the minister, domestically, expatriate workers and their families are receiving expanded support services. Welfare desks at airports assist with immigration, customs, documentation, and other formalities. Facilities such as free Wi-Fi, telephone services, and subsidized meals are available at expatriate lounges.

“Families of deceased workers receive immediate financial assistance, including Tk 35,000 for burial and transport costs, along with a Tk 300,000 grant. Injured returnees are eligible for medical assistance of up to Tk 200,000—double the amount provided under the previous administration,” he said.

Other initiatives include insurance coverage of up to Tk 1 million for migrant workers at a nominal premium, affordable accommodation at the Wage Earners’ Centre near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, and reintegration programmes under the REISE project. Through this initiative, over 253,000 returnee workers have received training, referrals, and financial assistance to rebuild their livelihoods.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening expatriate welfare and ensuring that Bangladeshi migrant workers continue to contribute safely and effectively to the country’s economic growth.