Flight Disruptions Must Not Cost Our Migrant Workers Their Jobs

The flight disruptions affecting Bangladeshi workers travelling to Saudi Arabia have left thousands worried about their jobs and future. A recent report published in this newspaper says security incidents and shutdowns at major Saudi airports have led to the cancellation or suspension of 100 direct and transit flights, affecting more than 15,393 passengers. For many, the journey follows months of preparation, heavy borrowing and the hope of giving their families a better life. While we cannot prevent every international crisis, we must protect workers from consequences beyond their control.

The disruption has affected 41 direct flights and 59 transit services involving Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines and Saudia. Some workers have reportedly faced visa expiry even after completing immigration formalities. The government and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) have asked airlines to offer free rebooking, full refunds and alternative routes through Jeddah and Madinah. The Wage Earners’ Welfare Board has also arranged shelter at its Kawla centre. These measures offer some relief, but workers still need confirmed travel arrangements and timely information to avoid further uncertainty.

Many migrant workers borrow heavily to secure overseas employment, and their families depend on future earnings to repay loans and meet daily expenses. A missed joining date may jeopardise a job, while an expired visa can bring additional costs. Loan instalments, however, continue even when flights are grounded. Workers have little control over airport closures or airline schedules, yet they may bear the financial consequences. We must not allow a travel disruption to undo months of preparation and leave families struggling with mounting debt.

The authorities must now turn their assurances into practical support. Airlines should prioritise workers whose visas are close to expiry and arrange alternative flights without delay. Bangladesh’s embassy in Riyadh must coordinate with Saudi authorities to seek visa extensions and help workers retain their jobs. The government should provide emergency accommodation, food and financial assistance where necessary. Moreover, relevant agencies must establish a central system to track affected passengers, identify urgent cases and communicate reliable updates. Airlines and recruitment agencies must also fulfil their responsibilities and help workers navigate the crisis.

Our migrant workers support millions of families and contribute substantially to the national economy through remittances. Their contribution deserves effective protection, not merely praise during a crisis. We need a permanent response framework involving government agencies, diplomatic missions, airlines and recruitment agencies, with clear procedures for rebooking, visa assistance, emergency support and coordination with employers. Such measures would reduce uncertainty and prevent avoidable losses during future disruptions. We cannot guarantee uninterrupted travel, but we can ensure that a cancelled flight does not cost a worker a hard-won job. Protecting their livelihoods must remain a priority.