Towards an Effective Support System for Migrant Workers
Current interventions for migrant workers—such as welfare funds, and pre-departure training—are fragmented, underfunded, and poorly implemented. Compared to countries like the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, Bangladesh lags significantly in offering comprehensive, life-cycle support. This policy brief assesses the shortcomings of Bangladesh’s support mechanisms across the entire migration journey and highlights successful practices from peer countries. It calls for a distinct, well-resourced programme for migrant workers, expanded social insurance, stronger bilateral agreements for benefit portability, improved training, reduced migration costs, digitised service delivery, and transparent fund management. By adopting comprehensive, stage-specific interventions—from pre-departure to reintegration—Bangladesh can enhance worker protection, align with global standards, and secure sustainable economic gains. The brief underscores the urgency of systemic overhaul to safeguard migrant workers, ensuring their welfare and maximising their contributions to national development.