The state minister made the remarks while replying to a supplementary question from ruling party lawmaker Mst Sanjida Yasmin from reserved women's seat-31, according to a BSS report. He said Bangladeshi women workers mainly work in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and other Middle Eastern countries, as well as in housekeeping and caregiving sectors in Hong Kong and several other countries.
"Although Bangladeshi women workers faced harassment in some Middle Eastern countries in the past, such incidents have declined significantly compared to earlier," he said. Bangladeshi workers, both women and men, can seek legal remedies through the contracted law firms if they face abuse or harassment by employers abroad .
Oman also has a safe home for Bangladeshi workers, while workers can lodge complaints through two call centres operated by the ministry . Legal assistance is being provided to detained workers, and efforts have been strengthened to recover unpaid wages and compensation owed to workers . For the safety of female workers, Bangladesh missions in several countries operate "safe homes" where distressed workers can stay following their rescue .
Replying to another supplementary question from ruling party MP Nipun Roy Chowdhury, the state minister said the government has sent a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) to Oman for signing. "Once the MoU is signed, it will create new employment opportunities for Bangladeshis in Oman's labour market," he said.
Explaining the process for ensuring jobs for workers abroad, the state minister said when a foreign company submits a demand letter, the labour welfare wing of the Bangladesh mission in the concerned country verifies the workers' job responsibilities, salaries, accommodation and other facilities . After verification, the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) issues clearance. "Workers who go abroad with BMET clearance face comparatively fewer job-related problems," he said.
The government has been collecting manpower demand letters through Bangladeshi missions to fulfil its electoral pledge of creating one crore employment opportunities . Qatar's labour minister visited Bangladesh from May 17 to 18, reaching an understanding to prepare five technical training centres in five trades according to Qatar's requirements. Regarding the UAE, a Dubai-based taxi company recruited 600 drivers from Bangladesh .
The government has strengthened welfare services for migrant workers through labour welfare wings at overseas missions, with law firms appointed initially at 11 missions. This initiative aims to safeguard workers' rights and security abroad and expand welfare services provided through Bangladesh missions . Prime Minister Tarique Rahman informed Parliament on September 2 that more than 1.5 crore Bangladeshis are currently working in 176 countries, with administrative, legal and welfare services being provided through 30 labour welfare wings at Bangladesh missions in 27 countries .
The state minister said reducing migration costs remains a government priority. The government prepared a draft cost structure for overseas employment in 2013, which is now being updated considering changes in the foreign exchange rate and overall situation. After updating, the government will focus on implementation .
Migrant workers, aspirants and their families in Bangladesh are often exposed to fraudulent or deceptive recruitment practices and lack objective information about safe migration . The government aims to make overseas migration more transparent, affordable and skill-based while reducing dependence on traditional labour markets in the Middle East . The government has set a target of creating overseas employment opportunities for one crore Bangladeshis over the next five years through labour market diversification, large-scale skills development, digitalisation of migration services and expanded welfare programmes for expatriate workers .
Saudi Arabian law enforcement agencies and Bangladesh Embassy officials are working jointly against unscrupulous groups involved in deceiving or holding Bangladeshi workers hostage. "If any Bangladeshi is found involved in such activities, necessary action will be taken after their return to Bangladesh," the state minister said in reply to a question from opposition MP Obaidullah Salafi .
The government operates safe homes for female workers in several countries . In Saudi Arabia, the government has two "safe homes" funded by the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment . The government will gradually arrange similar legal assistance in more countries .
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