Qatar-bound migrant workers -- who remain stranded at home amid the coronavirus pandemic -- yesterday urged the government to take steps for their return to workplaces, saying their re-entry has been denied by the Gulf country.

Forming a human chain in front of Jatiya Press Club in the capital, some 30 Qatar-bound migrant workers said about 12,500 of them are currently stuck at home for months since the coronavirus pandemic forced air communication suspension between Bangladesh and Qatar early this year.

They called upon Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and Expatriates' Welfare Minister Imran Ahmad to take diplomatic efforts to ensure their return to the Gulf country soon.

The migrants, who were employed at different private companies in Qatar, said about 95 percent of their residence permits in the Gulf country now expired.

Besides, their online applications for re-entry permit to Qatar were not accepted in past three months. As a result, the prospect of their job opportunities in the Gulf country has become uncertain, they added.

They further said without income they and their family members were passing days in economic hardship.

Migrant worker Meraj Hossain said some even remained stranded for about a year now without income opportunities at home. "Amid this, we are seeking attention of the authorities concerned to help us return to Qatar," he said.

He said workers who were employed under private companies in Qatar did not get the re-entry permit even though the Qatar government started giving such permission to Bangladeshi workers few months ago.

As per Qatar government's announcement, anyone can get the re-entry permit, applying online, he said. "We have been applying for the past three months but not a single permit was issued. We don't know, why?"

He said they would take to the street again if their problem is not solved.

Another migrant worker Sarwar Alam Khokon said despite economic hardship, many of them did not seek financial support from the government or other organisations.