A recent study conducted by the Ovibashi Karmi Unnayan Program (OKUP) has uncovered the extent of exploitation experienced by migrant workers. The study, which analyzed 114 cases of workers seeking legal assistance from January 2023 to October 2024, has highlighted the systemic nature of this exploitation. The findings are consistent with long-standing anecdotal evidence and media reports, indicating a widespread and entrenched failure to protect migrant workers.
According to the OKUP study, 36 percent of migrant workers were forced to return home within three months of their migration, resulting in dashed hopes for a better future and increased debt burdens. This premature return is just one aspect of a larger issue that includes contract substitution, lack of work permits, and exorbitant migration costs. Shockingly, 75 percent of workers left Bangladesh without any employment contract, with not a single female migrant receiving one before departure. Even among the minority who did receive contracts, most were provided just hours before their flights. Upon arrival, nearly half of all migrants were denied work permits, and among those who obtained permits, only a fraction secured the promised jobs.
The study reveals a systematic betrayal of workers throughout the migration process, both domestically and internationally. One concerning finding is that every male worker surveyed faced migration fees far exceeding legal limits, with costs often doubling for those heading to Saudi Arabia and increasing sixfold for Malaysia, key destinations for Bangladeshi workers. Malaysia, in particular, has been embroiled in exploitation cases, including instances of human trafficking and job scams. In May, Bangladeshi workers filed a lawsuit in Malaysia against a recruitment agency and government officials for fraud. Additionally, thousands of Bangladeshis were reportedly turned away from Kuala Lumpur in early 2025 due to job scams and poor working conditions.
The study also questions the effectiveness of the arbitration system for affected workers, highlighting concerns about the conflict of interest within the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET), responsible for both licensing recruitment agencies and resolving disputes. The lack of a fair mechanism for justice and compensation underscores the need for comprehensive reforms to ensure transparency and accountability in the migration process. OKUP’s recommendations present viable solutions to address these systemic challenges.
It is imperative for the interim government to collaborate with destination countries’ authorities to address these longstanding issues and protect the rights of migrant workers. Upholding dignity, providing protection, and ensuring justice for these workers must be prioritized to prevent further exploitation.