The country’s workforce abroad has grown to more than 1.5 crore people now employed across 176 countries worldwide, according to official figures presented in Parliament this week.

Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury disclosed these numbers while addressing questions from lawmakers, outlining a comprehensive approach to protecting citizens working overseas and expanding international employment opportunities.

The minister emphasized that supporting the rights and dignity of Bangladeshi workers abroad remains a central priority for the current administration, which he said has implemented multiple welfare initiatives since taking office. He criticized the previous government for neglecting expatriate concerns during its tenure.

A network of 30 labour welfare wings operating through Bangladeshi diplomatic missions in 27 countries now receives annual funding from the Wage Earners Welfare Board to deliver administrative and legal assistance.

The government has appointed 11 law firms and panel lawyers to help workers pursue death compensation claims and resolve workplace disputes.

Female workers facing dangerous situations can access emergency rescue services and safe accommodation facilities established at embassies and high commissions. A round the clock call centre provides immediate support for expatriates encountering difficulties abroad.

Additional services include helping workers with passport complications return home, securing release of detained workers, recovering unpaid wages, addressing housing problems, ensuring medical treatment for sick and injured workers and repatriating remains of deceased workers.

However, regional instability continues affecting labour exports. The minister acknowledged that ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States has disrupted worker deployment to several Middle Eastern destinations including the United Arab Emirates.

Despite these challenges, Bangladesh maintains active labour markets in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Romania, Seychelles, Portugal and Russia. Diplomatic negotiations are underway to reopen restricted markets in Malaysia, Oman, the UAE and Bahrain.

The government has formalized worker exchange agreements with 18 countries. A partnership with the International Manpower Development Organization Japan enables Bangladeshi workers to train as technical interns without paying migration costs.

An ambitious target aims to send 100000 workers to Japan within five years, supported by expanded Japanese language education programs and a dedicated Japan Cell within the ministry.

Meanwhile, a driver training initiative preparing 100000 people for domestic and international employment continues progressing. Employment figures for 2025 show 1132519 workers secured positions abroad, including 62352 women.

The minister noted that private recruiting agencies play an essential role in the migration process, operating under licenses and requiring clearance from the Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training before sending workers overseas.