The migration of Bangladeshi workers to overseas destinations hit a five-year low in the fiscal year 2025-26 due to reduced demand from the Middle East following uncertainties arising from the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
According to data from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET), over 9.69 lakh individuals left Bangladesh for foreign employment in the previous fiscal year, marking a 5% decrease from the year before. This decline in outbound labor migration has been a trend over the past two years, raising concerns about the impact on remittance inflows that have been a crucial economic buffer.
Shariful Hasan, from BRAC’s migration program, noted a slowdown in departures since March attributed to disruptions in flights to Middle Eastern countries. The ongoing conflict has disrupted the flow of approximately 1 lakh workers departing monthly in recent years.
Between FY2015 and FY2025, over 86 lakh Bangladeshis sought overseas employment, with three-quarters heading to the Middle East. In FY2024, a record high of nearly 12 lakh Bangladeshi workers went abroad for employment.
Shariful emphasized the Middle East’s significance as a key source of jobs and remittances for Bangladesh but highlighted the impact of the conflict on job opportunities and investments in major destination countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
Around 60-70 lakh Bangladeshi nationals are employed in the region, with many facing job insecurity. The war’s repercussions have led to the return of numerous workers, potentially affecting remittance inflows if alternative employment destinations are not explored.
Remittance inflows in FY2025-26 reached over $35 billion, with a 15% increase in July compared to the previous year. Despite this, Ali Haider Chowdhury mentioned that only Saudi Arabia currently recruits Bangladeshi workers, with other markets largely closed. However, there are prospects for job openings in Malaysia, potentially creating more opportunities for migrant workers.
Shameem Ahmed Chowdhury Noman highlighted the potential for the Malaysian labor market to reopen following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit, with a demand for 2-3 lakh workers in the country. Noman also mentioned opportunities in Eastern Europe, although visa processing challenges hinder employment prospects.
To address these issues and diversify job markets, Noman stressed the need for streamlined visa processes, modernized training facilities, and increased government investment in the sector to enhance the quality of the workforce and explore new job markets beyond the traditional Middle East destinations.
