Over 5 lakh expats returned home after losing jobs amid Covid-19 pandemic: Minister

Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmad today informed the parliament that more than 5 lakh Bangladeshi expatriate workers returned to the country after losing their jobs since the onset of Covid-19 pandemic.

The minister said this in reply to a query from ruling Awami League MP Manzur Hossain from Faridpur-1.

Replying to another query, Imran Ahmad told parliament that 5.4 lakh migrant workers have so far got employment abroad till May 2022 due to different diplomatic initiatives taken by the present government.

In response to a question from AL lawmaker Didarul Alam from Chattogtam-4, the minister said that till May 2022, a total of 10.50 lakh female migrant workers are working in 84 countries across the world.

The minister also highlighted the different steps taken by the concerned Bangladesh Missions to ensure the safety of female workers abroad.