Adviser for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Professor Dr Asif Nazrul has said that the full digitisation of overseas migration procedures has significantly reduced corruption, harassment, and suffering faced by migrant workers.
He made the remarks on Wednesday (December 17) while speaking at a programme marking International Migrants Day and National Expatriates Day 2025 at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.
Dr Asif Nazrul said that in the past, migrant workers were forced to pay huge sums of money through informal channels and were subjected to widespread corruption during the migration process. To put an end to these practices, the government has taken comprehensive reform measures.
He noted that the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have provided crucial support in this effort. As part of the initiative, a fully online system named the “Overseas Employment Platform” has been launched, ensuring 100 percent digital processing of all overseas employment-related procedures. As a result, opportunities for corruption, harassment, and exploitation have been greatly reduced.
The adviser also said that expatriates who have registered as voters will be able to cast their votes for the first time. He added that the importance of expatriates is now being reflected at Dhaka airport, where several new measures—beyond routine services—have been introduced for their benefit, although he acknowledged that more improvements are still needed.
Dr Asif Nazrul further revealed that Bangladesh has signed a formal agreement with Saudi Arabia for the first time. While the full impact of the agreement is yet to be realised, he expressed optimism about its long-term benefits. According to Saudi officials, previous governments had attempted similar agreements without success, and Bangladesh is currently the only country to have secured such a deal—something neither Pakistan nor India has achieved.
Referring to Malaysia, he said Bangladeshi workers previously faced restrictions due to single-entry visas, which prevented them from returning home easily. Following persistent efforts, this has now been changed to multiple-entry visas for the first time. He also said that syndicates accused of exploiting migrant workers in Malaysia have been completely delisted, and steps have been taken to stop illegal profit-making, although challenges remain.
The adviser concluded by saying that if future governments maintain sincerity, faith, and a sense of responsibility towards the people, they will be able to take further initiatives for the welfare of expatriates and build upon the reforms already underway.
