Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part G (2021)

Abstract
Migrant workers of Bangladesh perform a major role in the development of economy. The country has world’s one of the largest migrant populations, with nearly 8 million of its 160 million residents living abroad. Every year they are contributing approximately USD 15 billion directly to the socio-economic development of Bangladesh through remittance. Around USD 18 billion remittance have been earned in 2019, which was the second largest source of foreign currency. With Covid-19 pandemic, these workers were laid off without compensation. Bangladeshis working abroad faced difficulties such as large-scale job loss, salary reductions, and increase in deportations from the GCC. Sudden loss of income and unexpected financial crisis of the migrants have intense consequences upon their families and communities, with remittance inflow that normally equal nearly one-third of the country’s national budget which are now predicted to have a considerable reduction. The Government should come forward with providing financial support to the migrant workers so that they can overcome adversities during the pandemic. Administrative along with diplomatic initiatives are required for creating employment opportunities and ensuring health-security of the workers who are staying abroad, for those who have returned to Bangladesh, in addition to those who seek to return for getting fresh employment in the overseas market.