Safe migration key to sustainable reintegration of returnee migrants: Experts
Speakers underscored the urgent need for comprehensive action, an integrated approach and effective coordination among stakeholders to ensure the sustainable and dignified reintegration of returnee migrants.
Ensuring safe and regular migration is essential for the sustainable reintegration of returnee migrants, stakeholders and experts in the migration sector said at a dialogue in Dhaka today (24 April).
The discussion on "Future of Return and Reintegration of Migrants in Bangladesh" was organised by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the expatriates' welfare and overseas employment ministry and the Wage Earners' Welfare Board.
Speakers underscored the urgent need for comprehensive action, an integrated approach and effective coordination among stakeholders to ensure the sustainable and dignified reintegration of returnee migrants.
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They emphasised that successful reintegration not only enhances the well-being of returnees but also contributes to economic growth and social cohesion.
The discussion highlighted the importance of leveraging the knowledge, skills, and experience of returnee migrants to support local development efforts.
"If the migration process is not safe, workers will face greater challenges at their destinations. As a result, their return becomes more difficult and costly," said Shariful Hasan, head of the Migration Programme at BRAC.
"For proper reintegration, we must focus on the entire migration cycle — from pre-departure to the employment period and the return process," said Sumaiya Islam, executive director of Bangladesh Nari Sramik Kendra.
The dialogue served as a platform to promote sustainable reintegration strategies, share best practices, and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders to support returnee migrants and foster national development.
It was shared that under the Recovery and Advancement of Informal Sector Employment project, over 200,000 returnee migrants received support in the form of skills training, cash incentives, business start-up assistance, and psychosocial counselling.
Additionally, returnees were recognised through Recognition of Prior Learning certifications, which acknowledged their previous work experiences and skills.
Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan, senior secretary of the expatriates' welfare and overseas employment ministry and Gwyn Lewis, UN resident coordinator, were present, among others.
