Safeguard women migrant workers’ rights

It is unacceptable that thousands of our women workers who migrate to the Middle East in search of better economic opportunities continue to face abuse, exploitation, and abandonment, with little to no scope for redress. According to the BRAC Migration Programme, at least 69,090 women have returned home since 2019, many after suffering physical, psychological or sexual abuse, food deprivation, unpaid wages, and excessively long working hours. Over the past eight years, bodies of 799 female migrant workers have also been returned to the country.

Take the case of Rahima, who was promised an office job in Saudi Arabia but instead was beaten, starved, denied treatment, and told she had been “bought”. In another case, a female returnee alleged she was locked up and repeatedly raped after being lured with false job promises. Many women workers also report having their mobile phones confiscated upon arrival, cutting them off from their families and any source of help. Should this be the fate of a workforce who contributes so much to our economy?

Reportedly, the country has sent more than 12.5 lakh women abroad for work between 2004 and 2025, mainly to countries in the Middle East, with little protection mechanism in place. While some migrants report abuse after returning home, many cases go unreported due to fear of social stigma. A recent Bangladesh National Woman Lawyers’ Association (BNWLA) study found that half of the returnees did not seek legal aid, as they lacked awareness or access to support services.

Women workers reportedly filed 2,036 complaints with the Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training (BMET) between 2021 and 2025. Though 1,969 of those complaints were “resolved,” most recruiting agencies accused of wrongdoing faced no meaningful punishment. Last year, only 14 of the 110 agencies accused of malpractice were compelled to pay compensation. And, among the 395 migrant workers who were provided legal aid by the Bangladesh missions in fiscal year 2024-25, only 11 were women. Experts claim that embassies often prioritise repatriation over legal action, leaving abusive employers unpunished.

We urge the government to prioritise the protection of our women migrant workers and ensure legal support for them both in destination countries and at home. It must enforce strict oversight of recruitment agencies and impose penalties for any unethical practices. Regular monitoring of workers abroad, stronger diplomatic engagement with host countries, and wider awareness among migrants about complaint procedures are also essential. No woman should be sent abroad for work without first ensuring her safety, dignity, and rights.