BD migrants' fate hangs in the balance: RMMRU

Bangladeshi migrant workers employed in Middle Eastern countries are facing growing uncertainty over jobs, wages, security, and future migration opportunities due to the ongoing conflict.

Researchers and migration experts warned against the potential danger in the wake of ME inflicted by war at a press conference organised by Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) at the National Press Club on Wednesday.

The organisation said the prolonged conflict could create severe instability in Gulf labour markets, posing a major threat to the employment of millions of Bangladeshi migrant workers.

Speakers at the event said the war had already disrupted business activities across the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 mega projects, including NEOM, the Red Sea Tourism Development project, and Qiddiya Entertainment City, were expected to generate long-term employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in construction and service sectors.
 
However, those prospects may diminish if projects are delayed due to declining investor confidence, rising costs, or infrastructure damage.

Citing data from Bangladesh Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training (BMET), RMMRU said overseas migration from Bangladesh dropped by nearly 50 percent in March this year compared to the same period last year because of the conflict.

Dr. Mohammad Rashed Alam Bhuiya said at least 5,000 Bangladeshi workers in Lebanon had already lost their jobs, while several Saudi companies had reduced their workforce. He added that workers were experiencing wage cuts, wage theft, and inflation across Gulf countries. He also claimed that at least 11 Bangladeshis had been killed in conflict-affected regions.