Returnee migrants face challenges in applying skills in local labour market: Study

Despite acquiring valuable skills and experiences, returnee migrants face challenges in applying these skills in the local labour market, suggesting a need for targeted interventions to bridge this gap, according to findings of a recent report.

Center for Migration Studies (CMS) of North South University (NSU) in collaboration with Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) hosted a dissemination event on the report on Tuesday, unveiling significant findings from the research project titled "Examining the Social Remittances of Returnee Migrant Workers in Bangladesh". The event brought together leading academicians, experts, stakeholders, and policymakers to discuss the implications of the research and chart a course for future action, according to a press release.

The research investigated social remittances - the flow of ideas, behaviours, identities, and social capital flow via migration of returnee Bangladeshi migrant workers from the Middle East and the Gulf region.

Dr Mallick Anwar Hossain, managing director of Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL) - who attended the event as the chief guest - expressed commitment to collaborate with academia and other stakeholders to ensure the dignified reintegration of migrant workers.

He also stressed the need to focus on social costs and stated that migrant workers are also bringing negative cultures, like gambling and alcoholism, which also need to be addressed.

"The study suggests that migration experiences have the potential to enhance societal inclusivity and engagement, pointing towards the opportunity for leveraging returnee migrants as agents of social change," said Dr Samiksha Koirala, principal investigator of the research and assistant professor of NSU.  

The event featured a panel discussion where Dr Harisur Rahman, associate professor of NSU, shared recommendations stating the need to develop targeted interventions to help migrants effectively utilise their acquired skills upon their return.

"This could include providing training programmes and workshops aimed at enhancing skill utilisation in the local labour market," he said.

Similarly, Dr Selim Reza, a discussant and associate professor of NSU, pointed out that the study was unique as it attempted to look into migrant workers' contributions beyond financial remittances. 

He further said food habits and lifestyle have been greatly influenced by migrant workers, and it is important to acknowledge that. The other discussant, Md Aminul Islam, team lead of Migration Social Enterprises, BRAC, stressed the need for transferring skills.

Similarly, Marina Sultana, director of Program, Refugee and Migratory Movement Research Unit (RMMRU), said that it was crucial to address social stigma around women migrant workers.

Dean (IC) of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Sk Tawfique M Haque, who is also director of the Center for Migration Studies, urged students to cultivate empathy towards migrant workers.

He additionally emphasised the significance of investigating whether the educational background of migrant workers correlates directly with their contribution to social remittance.

Nazia Haider, program manager of SDC, along with representatives from different civil society organisations, was present at the event.

Prof Abdur Rob Khan, pro-VC (IC of NSU, chaired the event.