Bangladesh resolves record 2,054 migrant complaints, recovers Tk9.92cr in 2025

Bangladesh achieved its strongest performance to date in addressing migrant worker grievances in 2025, resolving 2,054 complaints and recovering nearly Tk9.92 crore in compensation, according to the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET). 

The milestone comes amid a surge in overseas employment, with more than 11.28 lakh workers sent abroad – a 12% increase over 2024. Saudi Arabia remained the main destination.

Although the total number of complaints fell to 4,900 from 6,755 in 2024, enforcement improved significantly. In 2024, BMET resolved 1,755 cases and recovered Tk6.32 crore. Officials attribute the rise in recovered funds to closer follow-up, more effective mediation, and stricter action against recruiting agencies. The average compensation per resolved case also increased, addressing long-standing criticism from migrant rights groups over low recovery rates.

RMMRU acting executive director Tasneem Siddiqui said, "A Monitoring and Enforcement branch was set up at BMET to receive and resolve manual complaints quickly. As a result, the rate of complaint resolution has increased in a short period."

Experts caution that the decline in formal complaints does not necessarily indicate reduced abuse. Many workers continue to face exploitation but refrain from filing complaints due to fear, limited awareness, restricted access to authorities, or the physical distance of working abroad. 

Reported abuses include wage theft, delayed or non-payment of salaries, fraudulent job offers, irregular employment conditions, contract substitution, and physical abuse. Prospective migrants are often defrauded by middlemen or, in some cases, trafficked under the pretext of overseas employment.

Many disputes are also resolved informally through local arbitration or NGOs and never enter BMET records. Formally registered complaints follow a structured resolution process, including initial hearings with the complainant and recruiting agency representatives, submission of documents such as work permits, and coordination with employers – especially for cases involving Saudi Arabia – to secure settlements and compensation.

Analysts stress that as overseas migration grows, stronger preventive monitoring, tighter regulation of recruiting agencies, and broader access to grievance mechanisms are essential to protect workers and sustain the progress seen in 2025.