33pc migrate thru illegal routes
Around 33 percent of Bangladeshi migrants have resorted to illegal channels, says a survey conducted in Sirajganj, Narsingdi, Cox's Bazar, Comillla, Tangail and Narayanganj districts this year.
Of the 4,321 respondents, 1,434 were found to be irregular migrants, the highest number of which were from Sirajganj (49 percent) while the lowest Narayanganj, show the survey's findings.
At least 23 migrants died on the way over sea routes in the last three years while at least 39 others went missing, the findings added.
Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) conducted the survey and revealed the findings at a seminar on “Irregular Labour Migration in Bangladesh: Crises and Ways Forward” in the capital's Cirdap auditorium yesterday.
Salim Ahmed Purvez and Sarowat Binte Islam from MJF revealed the findings.
Mainly youths (71 percent) between the ages 18 and 31 years were victims of irregular migration while the rest above 31. These migrants used the sea route considering it to be cheap compared to legal channels.
Irregular migration usually takes place due to the high cost of legal ones, for unemployment and in search of better jobs.
In irregular channels, the migrants faced physical and sexual abuse, severe torture for ransom etc at the hands of human traffickers and smugglers.
During interviews, around 78 percent of respondents alleged that they had to face troubles before, during and after irregular migration, while only 17 percent claimed that they faced no problem.
In destination countries, they are exposed to various forms of exploitation and ill-treatment including mobility restrictions, job uncertainty, bribe demands by law enforcers, irregular or denial of wages, assault, confinement and poor working and living conditions.
The survey's report observed that irregular migration was the outcome of governance failures of governments in both sending and receiving countries.
Addressing the programme as chief guest, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam said many jobseekers using illegal channels become victims of fraudulence.
“We have come to know that some Bangladeshi criminals confine Bangladeshi workers and torture them to realise ransom in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. We have taken action against some of them,” he added.
The government is barring migration to Libya irrespective of visa attainment due to security reasons, said Shahriar, adding that the government wants to ensure safety for migrants abroad.
Chairing the programme, MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam said if migrants can go and work safely, they would be able to send back remittance.
So, it is important to ensure a safe medium for migration and enhance migrants' skills, she added.
Senior Secretary to the Home Ministry Mozammel Haque Khan and Prof Tasneem Siddique, founder chair of the Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit, also spoke.
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