Comprehensive plan needed for returnee migrants: rights groups

Migrant rights groups want a comprehensive plan and transparent mechanism to reintegrate migrants who are returning from abroad due to losing jobs as a fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a virtual discussion yesterday, they said the immediate task of the government now is to look into the welfare of migrants and their family. The government also needs to maintain a database of the returnee migrants, including their contacts and skill sets.

The discussion on "Migrants Budget 2020-2021 and the Protection of Migrants and Families" under Covid-19 was jointly organised by WARBE Development Foundation, Ovibashi Karmi Unnayan Programme (OKUP) and Institute of Informatics and Development (IID).

Expatriates' Welfare Secretary Ahmed Munirus Saleheen said already 3,500 Bangladeshi migrants have returned home and many are apprehended to return.

Therefore, the government is reviewing the impacts of this return and taking actions -- immediate, mid-term and long-term. Tk 10 crore has been allocated for food assistance, while Tk 700 crore for providing soft loans to the returnee migrants so they can start a business.

"We will also plan how we can help re-migration in the changed labour market situation including by re-skilling them," Saleheen said.

In a presentation, OKUP Executive Director Shakirul Islam said allocation of Tk 700 crore for reintegration is welcomed, but at this moment many migrants abroad and their families need emergency food and cash assistance. Only loan is not enough for reintegration, but its related services, easy procedures, training on small businesses or the skills they demand, mental support and social integration are also important.

IID CEO Syeed Ahamed said, "There has to be transparency in the safety net programme."

Dr Nurul Islam, former director at the Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training, said, "We need to look into the future job market scenario and re-skill the aspirant migrants accordingly."

Lawmaker Shameem Haider Patwary suggested that the government create a public limited company with 49 percent share of migrants and thus they can get benefits.

Brac Migration Programme Head Shariful Hasan endorsed his suggestion.

Hasan Imam Shaon, managing director at the Centre for Development Communication DEVCOM Ltd, said there can be a joint government-NGO taskforce to address the impacts of coronavirus pandemic on migrants.

Parliamentary Caucus on Migration and Development Chair Israfil Alam MP and its member Mahjabeen Khaled MP also spoke at the discussion, moderated by WARBE Development Foundation Chair Syed Saiful Haque.