Today, December 18, 2023, is International Migrants Day, observed globally under the theme, "Migrants' Rights, Our Commitment: Bangladesh Without Discrimination, All of Us." This day is celebrated annually across all member countries of the United Nations, marking the recognition of the rights of migrants and addressing the challenges they face in their host and home countries.
The United Nations General Assembly established December 18 as International Migrants Day in 2000. The origin of this observance dates back to the issues surrounding the protection and well-being of a large number of immigrants worldwide. This day seeks to highlight the conditions, rights, and struggles of migrants, as well as the significant contributions they make to both their home and host countries.
International migration refers to the movement of people across borders to live for an extended period. People migrate for various reasons: to seek economic opportunities, to reunite with family members, for educational purposes, or due to political instability or conflict. Migration can be classified into various categories, including temporary labor migrants, highly skilled workers, business migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and forced migrants, among others. Some migrants intend to settle permanently, while others have temporary goals, such as study or work contracts.
Migrants are crucial to the economy of both the host and home countries. They significantly impact labor markets, contribute to economic growth, and often help reduce poverty. However, migration is not without its challenges, particularly for the migrants themselves. Countries receiving migrants can be divided into those that traditionally settle large numbers of immigrants, such as European countries, and newer receiving nations like the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, where the proportion of expatriates has soared.
In Bangladesh, migration and remittances play a pivotal role in economic development. According to the Ministry of Expatriate Welfare and Foreign Employment, around 9 million Bangladeshis work in 160 countries worldwide. Remittances sent home by migrant workers are a critical source of foreign exchange for the country. In 2023, remittances accounted for 3.3% of Bangladesh's GDP. They were 4.4 times the value of foreign aid and seven times the value of foreign investment. Moreover, remittances form a significant portion of the nation's foreign reserves.
Despite these contributions, Bangladesh's migration and remittance sectors face several challenges. Over the last decade, irregularities in immigration processes, corruption in recruiting agencies, and lack of accountability have reduced the benefits for migrant families. Since 2021, the growth in remittances has slowed. While migration numbers remain steady, the flow of remittances has been hindered by factors such as political instability, poor governance, and a lack of transparency in the banking system.
High migration costs, exploitation by syndicates, and a lack of proper regulation are significant obstacles for prospective migrants. Moreover, issues like the disparity in exchange rates between formal and informal markets discourage migrants from using legal channels to send money back home. These factors have led to a decline in the volume of remittances channeled through official banking systems, despite the continued increase in the number of migrants.
Labor migration from Bangladesh faces several systemic challenges: Many migrants face exorbitant recruitment fees, often involving exploitative syndicates. The opaque nature of the recruitment process leaves many migrants vulnerable to fraud and abuse. A significant proportion of Bangladeshi migrants are employed in low-skilled jobs, with few opportunities to upgrade their skills or improve their earnings. The lack of strict enforcement of anti-trafficking laws has allowed irregular migration to thrive.
Moreover, while many Bangladeshis migrate to countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Malaysia, Qatar, and Singapore, which have been the traditional destinations, the migration process remains largely concentrated in a few key regions, leaving many migrants vulnerable to exploitation.
To maximize the benefits of migration and remittances for Bangladesh's economy, several steps need to be taken: Corruption in the recruitment process and the high costs associated with migration must be tackled. This can be done by strengthening laws, increasing transparency, and holding accountable those responsible for fraudulent practices. It is essential to create opportunities for safe migration through legal channels, with transparent recruitment processes and better coordination between relevant government bodies. Migrants should be provided with proper pre-departure training and skills development to ensure that they can contribute positively to their host countries and return with enhanced skills.
Migration has played a vital role in the economic development of Bangladesh and the world. Migrants contribute not only to the economies of their host countries but also help to reduce poverty and inequality in their home countries through the remittances they send back. However, to ensure that the benefits of migration are fully realized, Bangladesh must address the irregularities and inefficiencies in the migration sector. By strengthening governance, reducing migration costs, ensuring migrant rights, and improving the remittance process, Bangladesh can continue to benefit from its vibrant migrant workforce.
On this International Migrants Day, it is essential for all stakeholders-government, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector-to work together to ensure the welfare and rights of migrant workers. This will create a more equitable and sustainable future for both migrants and their families, while also fostering economic growth for the country.
The writer is Founder and Chairman, Jatia Rogi Kallyan Society
