Over 1.14cr workers sent to Middle East in 22 years

More than 1.14 crore Bangladeshi workers have gone to 12 Middle Eastern countries over the past 22 years, according to information presented in Parliament on Monday.

The data, placed on behalf of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury during a question-and-answer session, shows that a total of 1,14,07,661 workers migrated to the region between 2004 and April 8, 2026.

Saudi Arabia received the highest number of workers, with 53,33,223 migrants. It was followed by the United Arab Emirates with 21,92,956, Oman with 16,52,489, and Qatar with 10,05,936 workers. Other destinations included Kuwait (4,01,942), Bahrain (3,09,233), Jordan (2,45,208), Lebanon (1,76,392), Iraq (85,176), Yemen (4,040), Syria (879) and Iran (186).

The minister also informed the House that more than 1.30 crore Bangladeshis are currently working in 176 countries worldwide, highlighting the sector’s importance to the national economy.

Amid ongoing uncertainties in the Middle East, the government has identified a range of alternative labour markets. These include Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Russia, South Africa, Brazil, Portugal, Cyprus, Fiji, Serbia, Italy and Romania.

Efforts are underway to both expand into new destinations and reopen previously closed markets. As part of a 180-day action plan, the government has taken initiatives to increase overseas employment, including sending workers to countries such as Cambodia, Seychelles, Serbia, Fiji, Romania, North Macedonia, Mauritius, Mongolia and Russia. Diplomatic efforts are also continuing to reopen key markets in Malaysia, Oman, the UAE and Bahrain.

Bangladesh has already signed agreements or memorandums of understanding with 18 countries to facilitate overseas employment, while plans are in place to conclude similar arrangements with four more nations.

The minister expressed optimism about reopening the Malaysian labour market soon, noting recent high-level engagements. He also said steps are being taken to extend visas for Bangladeshi workers in conflict-affected Middle Eastern countries.

To improve workforce skills, 104 Technical Training Centres and six Institutes of Marine Technology are currently providing training in 55 trades. Initiatives have also been taken to recruit native language instructors in Japanese, Korean, English, Chinese, Arabic, Italian and German to help workers adapt better abroad.

In 2025 alone, a total of 11,32,519 workers, including 62,352 women, went overseas for employment, reflecting continued demand for Bangladeshi labour in global markets.