Ending the plight of female migrant workers

The sufferings of the Bangladeshi female migrant workers abroad, and the social isolation and depression many face on their return home, often hit the headlines and evoke widespread public concern. Driven by the hope of entering the workforce, improving their economic condition, many poor women seek domestic work overseas. Too often, however, their dreams turn into nightmares. Physical atrocity combined with constant mental torture pushes them into such desperate circumstances that many are ultimately forced to return home. The scale of this crisis is overwhelming. According to a BRAC report, about half a million Bangladeshi migrant workers have returned over the past six years after facing various forms of mistreatment and hardship. Among them, 67,199 women suffered sexual and physical abuse. Consequently, the number of outbound female migrant workers has plummeted. While more than 100,000 women sought work abroad annually a decade ago, that figure has since been cut in half.

For those who do return, the trauma rarely ends at the airport. On their return home, many shared their harrowing experiences abroad. In their desperation to find work, they had gone overseas by borrowing large sums of money or selling whatever little property they owned. On return, many discover that they have lost everything, sometimes even their families as some are not accepted by their husbands or in-laws. While the authorities concerned have done little to protect the rights of these hapless workers abroad, they have also failed to ensure the support necessary for their reintegration into their families.

Against this backdrop, speakers at a roundtable discussion organised by UN Women and Prothom Alo highlighted the need for sustainable reintegration of returnee female workers into their families with due attention to gender sensitivity. They called for the implementation of various programmes through coordinated efforts by government and non-government organisations. On a thorough assessment of these women's skills, employment opportunities for them should be created and thus their economic solvency will help their reintegration into mainstream society. It is imperative that the authorities develop gender-responsive migration policies to protect the rights of female migrant workers and take meaningful action to improve their lives upon their return. These vulnerable women require comprehensive medical care, psychological support and financial assistance to recover from their traumatic experiences.

Furthermore, the government must ensure that the migration process becomes more sustainable and secure. Rather than facilitating the migration of unskilled workers to traditional destinations in the Middle East as domestic helps, the authorities should prioritise training for aspiring migrants and explore opportunities in other prospective countries. Experts at the roundtable noted that there is a high demand for skilled workers in the caregiving and garment sectors in countries such as Japan, Hong Kong and Jordan. Bangladesh can readily train aspiring female migrant workers for these sectors. Sending skilled workers abroad can significantly reduce the vulnerabilities associated with unregulated domestic work. That said, foreign missions also need to take pro-active measures so that migrant workers can report abuse and the authorities concerned should respond promptly. Overall, the structural vulnerabilities faced by Bangladeshi women throughout the migration process must be addressed to replace a cycle of exploitation with a system of dignity and protection.