Dev budget for expat ministry cut despite Probashi Card rollout
The government has proposed an allocation of around Tk880 crore for the ministry in FY27, which is Tk51 crore lower than the revised allocation for FY26.
The government has proposed a lower development budget for the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment in FY2026-27, despite announcing plans to introduce a digital Probashi Card aimed at improving services and support for migrant workers.
The proposed development allocation for the ministry has been reduced by more than Tk79 crore, or around 16%, compared with the revised development budget for the current fiscal year.
In contrast, the ministry's operating budget has increased by more than Tk28 crore.
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Overall, the government has proposed an allocation of around Tk880 crore for the ministry in FY27, which is Tk51 crore lower than the revised allocation for FY26.
While presenting the national budget, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury highlighted the country's record monthly remittance inflow of $3.75 billion in March, describing it as the highest ever received in a single month.
Migrant workers continue to make enormous contributions to the national economy, yet the government remains reluctant to allocate adequate resources for their welfare.
"This reflects the trust and confidence of expatriate Bangladeshis in the democratic government, and we expect this trend to continue," he said.
The minister said the government would continue providing a 2.5% cash incentive for remittances sent through formal banking channels to help sustain inflows.
He also said efforts are underway to reopen previously closed overseas labour markets, including Malaysia, while negotiations continue to secure new destinations for Bangladeshi workers.
According to the minister, the planned Probashi Card will provide expatriate Bangladeshis with access to welfare services, insurance coverage, banking facilities and emergency assistance through a single platform. Distribution of the card is expected to begin in phases from FY27.
Migration experts, however, expressed concern over the reduction in spending on migrant welfare.
"Migrant workers continue to make enormous contributions to the national economy, yet the government remains reluctant to allocate adequate resources for their welfare," said Syed Saiful Haque, chairman of the WARBE Development Foundation.
He said much of the welfare spending is financed by the Wage Earners' Welfare Board, which is funded by migrant workers themselves rather than the national exchequer.
"Those who send nearly $30 billion in remittances every year deserve greater investment in their development and protection. We had hoped the government would break away from its previous approach, but the proposed budget offers little indication of such a shift," he added.
