Past Events 2023

Report Launching Event on
Killer Heat: the Impact of Extreme Temperatures and Climate Change on Migrant Workers in the Gulf
Jointly organised by RMMRU and BPCMD
Supported by: FairSquare
Date: 24th June, 2023

Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) and Bangladesh Parliamentarians’ Caucus on Migration and Development (BPCMD) have jointly organised a discussion session on Migrants’ health to mark the launch of the third vital signs report titled Killer Heat: Extreme Temperatures and Migrant Workers in the Gulf on June 24, 2023 at Dhaka. The programme is supported by UK based research organization FairSquare. The report captures the experiences five labour sending countries- Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Philippines, and Pakistan to the six Gulf States. The event was attended by parliamentarians, and medical practitioners, serving and retired state functionaries, academics, lawyers, CSOs, and members of the media. The report was presented by Dr. C R Abrar, Executive Director, RMMRU.

This report explores how extreme temperatures and the Gulf States’ abusive labour practices combine with devastating consequences for the health of migrant workers. The report finds that long-term exposure to extreme heat leads to chronic health problems which require lifelong treatment. Heat can severely impact internal organs, with the heart and kidneys being particularly susceptible to substantial damage. The report further notes that there is a very strong association between extreme heat and heart failure, heart attack, arrhythmia and stroke.

Dr. Md. Dilder Hossain Badal, Nephologist, Dhaka Medical College Hospital said that they received many patients with kidney problems working in the Gulf States. He stated the disease is largely caused by exposure to heat and not drinking enough water. Dr. Md. Monirul Islam, Critical Care specialist who served as a medical specialist in Saudi Arabia for over three decades said that every patient dies because of the heart failure and this cannot be assigned as a reason of death. He said in the Saudi medical protocol the reason of death is clearly assigned and documented, therefore the embassies of labour sending countries should ensure that the actual reasons for death is clearly stated in the documents that accompany the dead bodies of the migrant workers.

Ad. Khodeja Nasreen, MP said that most of the migrant workers go to the Gulf states by Sub-agents as a result while they are living in this unhealthy environment and extreme temperature they do not get any help from the authority. We should address and ensure all the health need and safety properly.

Dr. C R Abrar said an extreme rising temperature and climate change in the Gulf States is detrimental to migrant workers. Migrant workers have a huge contribution in the economy of both origin and destination countries so these countries must commit to protect their health.

Policymaker Engagement Event on
Labour Migrants’ Access to Healthcare in the Gulf States
Jointly Organised by BPCMD and RMMRU
Supported by: FairSquare
Date: June 7, 2023
Venue: Modhumoti Hall, Hotel InterContinental, Dhaka

Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) and Bangladesh Parliamentarians’ Caucus on Migration and Development (BPCMD) jointly organised a policymaker engagement event on labour migrants’ access to healthcare in the Gulf countries on June 7, 2023. The programme was supported by UK based research organization FairSquare. Experiences of five labour sending countries (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Philippines, and Pakistan) to the six Gulf States were covered in the study that focused on causes of unnatural deaths of migrant workers and their access to healthcare services. RMMRU shared the findings of the findings of the latest Vital Signs report on prevalence of long term chronic kidney disease among migrant workers. It also presented case studies of sick returnee migrants collected at the RMMRU support centers in Tangail and Cumilla.

The programme was attended by Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary, MP; Mr. Rana Mohammad Sohail, MP; Ms. Mahjabeen Khaled, former MP, Secretary General, BPCMD; Mr. Salim Reza, Full Time Member, National Human Rights Commission; Dr. Harunur Rashid, Professor, Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital; Dr. Dildar Hossain Badal, MBBS, MD, Nephrologist, Dhaka Medical College Hospital; Mr. Kazi Abul Kalam, former Joint Secretary; Dr. Md. Nurul Islam, Former Director, BMET; other government functionaries, Journalists and civil society representatives.

Dr. C R Abrar, Executive Director, RMMRU shared the report findings and recommendations for both origin and destination countries. He stated that migrant workers enjoy very little denied access to healthcare in the Gulf States and made the point that there is a strong connection between the death rate and lack of the health care in the Gulf States. The programme was moderated by Mr. Md. Obaidul Haque, RMMRU EC member and Associate Professor of the University of Dhaka,
Dr. Badal said that they receive many patients with kidney problems that developed while working in the Gulf States. The physician attributed this to the migrants’ exposure to the heat and not consuming enough water to compensate for water lost as perspiration. Dr. Rashid said that in order to ascertain the causes of death Bangladeshi health authorities may consider performing autopsies on bodies that are returned from destination countries without a valid cause of death stated on the death certificate.

MP Patwary said that the Bangladeshi embassy in the destination country should be more proactive in ensuring that migrant workers can access healthcare in destination countries. Ms. Mahjabeen Khalid said that health of migrant workers was an important issue and it was largely ignored over the years. MP Sohail Rana said that every employer should ensure the healthcare of the migrants.

Research Finding Dissemination Event on
'Migration Dynamics of Bangladesh and the Maldives Corridor'
Organised by: Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU)
Supported by: The Asia Foundation
Date: 7 June, 2023
Venue: Hotel InterContinental, Dhaka

Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) organised a dissemination workshop of the research report on 7 June 2023 at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka. RMMRU conducted this study titled 'Migration Dynamics of Bangladesh and the Maldives Corridor'. with the support of The Asia Foundation. The findings and recommendations of the report were jointly presented by Md. Obaidul Haque, Associate Professor, University of Dhaka and Dr. Shahab Enam Khan, Fulbright Professor, University of Delaware, USA. The programme was moderated by Dr. C R Abrar, Executive Director of RMMRU.

The study is based on the assumption that the decision of a Bangladeshi worker to migrate to the Maldives is influenced by three main factors: (1) the individual’s positive or negative evaluation of the Maldives; (2) the person’s perception of economic potential in the Maldives; and (3) perceived gainful economic opportunities, influenced by kinship-based relations, which describes the person’s perceived self-efficacy or ability to adjust with the Maldivian society. Field work on both documented and undocumented Bangladeshi migrants have conducted among 250 returnee migrants from the Maldives in three high migration intensity districts (Cumilla, Tangail, and Dhaka) and 120 current migrants in Male and Hulumale.

The event was attended by Mr. Tanveer Shakil Joy, MP; Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary, MP; Mr. Md. Touhid Hossain, former foreign secretary; Mr. Md. Shahidul Alam, NDC, Director General, BMET; Rear Admiral (retd.) Kazi Sarwar Hossain, former High Commissioner, Bangladesh Embassy in Maldives; Rear Admiral (Retd.) ASM A Awal, former High Commissioner, Bangladesh Embassy in Maldives; Dr. Syeda Rozana Rashid, Professor, University of Dhaka; Kazi Abul Kalam, former Joint Secretary; Dr. Md. Nurul Islam, Former Director, BMET; Mr. Ali Haider Chowdhury, Secretary General, BAIRA; Mr. Kazi Faisal bin Seraj, Country Representative, The Asia Foundation; journalists and civil society representatives.

DG of BMET Mr. Shahidul Alam said that Maldives can be a significant labour market for Bangladeshi workers and the foreign ministry needs to take step in this regard. MP Patwary said that steps should be taken so that undocumented migrant workers can remit money home without hassle through formal channels. MP Joy in his statement noted that, people want to migrate in the Maldives voluntarily as the living conditions are better than in other countries. Active collaboration of all stakeholders to tackle various challenges, emphasis on transferring skilled labour to the Maldives, launching of banking operations in the Maldives, and active involvement among stakeholders can help create a smooth migration corridor to the Maldives, the speakers noted.

Dissemination Workshop
on
Social Cost of Migration on Left-behind Elderlies and Siblings in Bangladesh
Organised by Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU)
Supported by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
Date: 25 June 2023
Venue: Auditorium of BRAC Centre Inn, Dhaka

Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) organised a dissemination workshop on the study “Social Cost of Migration on Left-behind Elderlies and Siblings in Bangladesh”. In this workshop Dr. Tasneem Siddiqui, Chairperson, Department of Political Science, University of Dhaka and Founding Chair, RMMRU presented the findings of a survey of over 6000 interviews in 20 districts of Bangladesh. The study examines the social costs and social gains experienced by the left-behind elderlies and siblings. The Special Guest was Mr. A H M Anwar Pasha, Additional Director General, Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET).
The Guests of Honour were Ms. Mahjabeen Khaled, Former MP, Secretary General, Bangladesh Parliamentarians’ Caucus on Migration and Development and Dr. Zia Rahman, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Dhaka.

Dr. Shantanu Majumder, Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Dhaka; Ms. Salma Akhter, Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Dhaka; Ms. Nazia Haider, Programme Manager – Safer Migration, Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Mr. Shariful Islam, Deputy Director, Wage Earners Welfare Board (WEWB) were discussants at the event.
The dissemination workshop was Chaired by, Dr. Hamida Aktar Begum, Professor (Retd.), Department of Psychology, University of Dhaka.

Some of the key findings of the study include:
• Without the financial contribution of the elderlies, migration of the young adult members of the households would not be possible.
• Contrary to popular belief, siblings also contribute both financially as well as non-financially in migration journey.
• Though along with household members the benefits of migration is enjoyed by the state and private sectors, the social and economic costs are only borne by the individual members of the households.
• Social costs and benefits of migration borne by the elderlies and siblings vary on the basis of age, gender, ability to earn independently and physical fitness.
• A section of both elderlies and siblings developed their agency in the process of addressing the constraints imposed upon them due to migration of their family members.

Training on “Enhancing Capacity of Newly Licensed Recruiting Agencies for Ensuring Ethical Recruitment Practices (2nd batch)”
Venue: BMET Conference Room
Date: May 24-25, 2023
Organsied by RMMRU
Supported by Helvetas Bangladesh

Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) and Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training (BMET) jointly conducted the training titled “Enhancement of Capacity of Newly Licensed Recruiting Agencies for Ensuring Ethical Recruitment Practices” for second batch of newly licensed recruiting agencies with the support SIMS project of Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation Bangladesh.

The two day-long training session was organised on 24 and 25 May 2023 at BMET Conference Room. As per the direction of Hon’ble Senior Secretary, MoEOWE, Dr. Ahmed Munirus Saleheen that 87 newly selected agencies have to receive this training before getting the license. It aims to orient newly licensed recruiting agencies about the knowledge on ethical recruitment in migration management.

Md. Shahidul Alam. NDC, Hon'ble Director General of BMET graced the training as the Chief Guest. In his speech, he gave guidance on the agencies about their responsibilities and duties to protect the rights of migrants. Md. Ali Haidar Chowdhury, Secretary General of BAIRA and Premangshu Shekhar Sarker graced this training as the Special Guests.

This training has been enriched with the issue specific sessions facilitated by Hon'ble ADGs, Directors and Senior Officials from BMET, Hon'ble Joint Secretaries and Deputy Secretaries from MoEWOE. The two days long sessions were on Migration Act -2013, Overseas Employment and Migration Rules-2019, Overseas Employment Migration Management Rules 2017 and The Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act 2012, Recruiting Agency Classification Rule 2020, Housekeeping Related Rules 2017 etc. Besides Administrative Matter in Recruitment Management, Ethical Recruitment practises, Challenges and mitigation strategies in recruitment management were also focused areas of discussion. At the end of the programme, the Chief Guest provided certificates to the participants for successfully completing the two days long training.

The training has started with a welcome speech from Marina Sultana, Director Programme, RMMRU and Mrs. Zohora Monsur Ela, has successfully coordinated and moderated the training. Near about 95 Proprietors, Managing Partners, Managing Directors and Representatives from 87 Agencies participated in this training.

Stakeholder Engagement Meeting at WEWB
Organised by Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit
Supported by FairSquare
Venue: Conference Room, WEWB
Date: 28 May, 2023

A stakeholder engagement meeting was held with Wage Earners’ Welfare Board (WEWB) officials on the Vital Signs report, Migrant Workers’ Access to Health in the Gulf on May 28, 2023 at WEWB office. Mr. Shariful Islam, Deputy Director; Mr. Zahid Anwar, Deputy Director; Mr. Md. Azizul Islam, Assistant Director; Mr. Md. Nazmul Hoque, Assistant Director; Mr. Md. Myin Uddin, Assistant Director, Mr. Md. Ashik Siddikee, Assistant Director; Mr. Mohammad Aminul Haque, Assistant Director; Ms. Shima Rani Halder, Assistant Director and other officials of the Board attended the meeting. The Executive Director of RMMRU, Dr. C R Abrar presented the summary report before the representatives of WEWB. After the presentation of the report, representatives of WEWB and RMMRU participated in an open discussion on various issues highlighted in the report and labour migration. They shared their practical experiences.

RMMRU and the Vital Signs partnership is supported by the UK based organisation, FairSquare which is researching the causes of unnatural deaths of South Asian migrant workers in the Gulf destination countries and their access to health care issues. The report was the second in a series of three. It was published as part of the study.

Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting on Health Care Condition of Labour Migrants in the Gulf States
Jointly organized by RMMRU and BCSM
Supported by FairSquare
Date: 22 May, 2023

On 22 May 2023, an online meeting on research findings of a report on access to health care for labour migrants in the Gulf States was held jointly organized by Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) and Bangladesh Civil Society for Migrants (BCSM). The meeting began with the description of five case stories of aggrieved migrant workers. The summary report on access to health care was presented to the BCSM members by C R Abrar, Executive Director, RMMRU and Chair, BCSM. The findings of another study on the death of female migrant workers in the countries of destination were also presented by Marina Sultana, Director (Programme), RMMRU.

In the next session, representatives of member organisations of BCSM participated in an open discussion on various issues highlighted in the report and labour migration like the working environment of the migrant workers, challenges in accessing health care, reproductive health care in the countries of destination etc.

Jasiya Khatoon, Director, WARBE Development Foundation mentioned, women migrant workers commonly hide health conditions such as diabetes and asthma. As a result, they become sick due to overwork in the countries of destination. So, reforms are needed in medical test for aspirant migrant workers. Besides, the government needs to have a strong system to track the overall well-being of the migrants working abroad with all the relevant data and information.

Accessing reproductive health care for women migrant workers in countries of destination was emphasized by Sabira Swapna, Project Officer, OKUP. In this regard, she shared the experience of a female migrant worker.

Access to health care for migrant workers in the countries of destination gets less attention all the time. A policy brief on this should be published, added Md. Syaduzzaman Mithu, Project Coordinator, BILS.

Syed Saiful Haque, Chairman, WARBE Development Foundation and Co-Chair of BCSM mentioned that returnees suffer from various complex diseases due to lack of proper access to reproductive health care in the countries of destination. After returning home they suffer from depression and need counselling. After conducting the open discussion, he announced the end of the meeting through the closing remarks and vote of thanks.

RMMRU and the Vital Signs partnership is supported by the UK based organisation, FairSquare which is researching the causes of unnatural deaths of South Asian migrant workers in the Gulf destination countries and their access to health care issues. The report was the second in a series of three. It was published as part of the study.

An Inception Meeting of the ‘REMA(K)ER: Returning Migrants Achieve Economic Resilience and Social Cohesion within their Communities’
Date: April 12, 2023
Organised by: Refugee and Migratory Movement Research Unit (RMMRU)
Supported by International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Venue: Kalihati Upazila Porishod Hallroom, Tangail

With the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) has organised an inception meeting under the project of ‘REMA(K)ER: Returning Migrants Achieve Economic Resilience and Social Cohesion within their Communities’. The project focuses on empowering returning migrants and their families to contribute to the strengthening of social cohesion and achievement of economic resilience within their communities.

Specific Objectives of the Activity:

  • Officially informed representatives of the relevant stakeholders on the Project’s concept, objectives and implementation plan;
  • Shared information, align efforts of different stakeholders to ensure sustainability of the project;
  • Discussed the implementation arrangement, including coordination mechanisms, as well as roles and responsibilities of relevant stakeholders to ensure synergies for supporting reintegration of the returning migrants and ensuring social cohesion;
  • Drew up suggestions and recommendations from local government NGO, CSO, and other stakeholders for effective programme implementation.

A brief presentation was shared on the project activities with the participants. The discussion held in the event emphasized on the importance of safe migration and reintegration of returnee migrants workers. There was an open discussion session in the programme where the participants shared their expectations from the project, exchanged opinions and offer suggestions. In the inception meeting Mr. Alhaj Md. Ansar Ali B.Com, Chairman of Upazila Parishad, Kalihati, Tangail was present as the chief guest of the event. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Md. Nazmul Hussain, Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Kalihati. Mr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman, Vice Chairman, Kalihathi, Mrs. Rina Parveen, Female Vice-Chairman and Mr. Md. Mehedi Hasan, Upazila Agriculture Officer, Kalihathi were present as special guest.  The event was moderated by Nazma Akhter, Field Coordinator of RMMRU.

Following are some remarkable comments in the meeting:

Mr. Alhaj Md. Ansar Ali B.Com, Chairman of Upazila Parishad, Kalihati, Tangail was present as the chief guest of the event. He said, “Migrants workers are migrate with hope of making more money for the sake of their family. They are the pillar of our economy. In migration cycle, there have two stages; pre departure plan and return plan. But most of our migrants’ workers are going to abroad with no pre plans. Besides, sometimes they misuse money which makes them more vulnerable. So, I would request RMMRU to work more on rehabilitation and reintegration programs of migrants”.

Mr. Md. Nazmul Hussain, Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Kalihati stated in the meeting, "We have many opportunities to work with migrants’ worker. Migrant workers positively contribute to the economic growth of the country. But due to carelessness and lack of proper planning, they are subjected to various kinds of harassment. Besides, even after returning from abroad, their situation is aggravated due to lack of knowledge on financial management of family. I request RMMRU to conduct more activities through this project to sensitise migrants and their families on these issues."

Mr. Md. Mehedi Hasan, Upazila livestock Officer, Upozilla Livestock Office, Kalihathi Tangail added that “Lack of skills keeps migrant in low paying jobs. They concern at the cost of decent living, nutrition, and health care. So, it is proved that migration of workers with internationally recognized vocational skills would enable securing higher paying jobs and better workplace protection. This would lead to better lives for the migrants, their families, and greater remittances for the country”.  On the other hand, temporary migrants are often successful in starting entrepreneurial activities after returning back to home. Upozilla Livestock office could support them through training and suggestions’ in this regard.

Learning from this Event:

  • Effective engagement with stakeholders allows project to identify groups who will support proper implementation of the project;
  • Engaging key stakeholders is crucial for successful strategic planning;
  • This Inception meeting involves identifying, understanding and involving people who have a strong influence in the outcome of the project plan;
  • This initiative will create scope of collaboration with GO, NGO, CSO to aware migrants workers on safe migration and reintegration process and financially literate the migrant community and support them to take entrepreneurial initiatives.

Capacity Building Training on
“Enhancement of Capacity of Newly Licensed Recruiting Agencies for Ensuring Ethical Recruitment Practices”
Date: 9 and 10 April 2023
Jointly Organised by: BMET and RMMRU
Venue: Auditorium of Bijoy 71, MoEWOE

Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) and Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training (BMET) jointly conducted a training titled “Enhancement of Capacity of Newly Licensed Recruiting Agencies for Ensuring Ethical Recruitment Practices” for newly licensed recruiting agencies with the support SIMS project of Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation Bangladesh. The two day-long training session was organised on 9 and 10April 2023 at Auditorium of Bijoy 71, MoEWOE. It aims to orient newly licensed recruiting agencies about the knowledge on ethical recruitment in migration management, do’s and don’ts of overseas employment under Migration Act -2013, Recruiting Agent Licensing and Conduct Rules-2019 along with Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Policy – 2016.

The capacity building training graced by the Senior Secretary, MoEOWE, Dr. Ahmed Munirus Saleheen as the Chief Guest and chaired by Md. Shahidul Alam NDC. Director General, BMET. In the inaugural session the specials guests were Mr. Ali Haider Chowdhury, Secretary General, BAIRA and Md. Abul Basar, Project Director, Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation Bangladesh. Dr. Tasneem Siddiqui, Founding Chair of RMMRU provided the welcome speech and shared the objectives of the training. In her speech she shared that”RMMRU has been organising this kind of training since 1999 and continued up to 2005 for promoting ethical recruitment. Today we involved newly licensed recruiting agencies to inform the rules and regulations for ethical recruitment. You are encouraged to share the challenges and possible solutions from the government and BMET to contribute in this sector confidently and significantly.”

The training was attended by 35 members from 18 newly licensed recruiting agencies who are mainly proprietors, managers and sales executives of the agencies nominated by BMET. The modality of this training is jointly designed by RMMRU and BMET where Mr. Mohammad Abdul Hi, PAA, Director of BMET, Mrs. Zohora Monsor, Deputy Director, Mr. Masud Rana, Senior Statistics Officer, BMET and Mr. Premangshu Shekhar Sarker and Nusrat Mahmood, Project Manager and Ms. Marina Sultana, Director Programme,RMMRU facilitated the training as per the guidelines/modules.

Achievement of this Training

  1. MoEWOE made this two days long training mandatory for newly licensed recruiting agencies’ proprietors and managers through a government circular where 87 agencies have to receive this training before getting the license according to the commitment of the senior secretary of MoEOWE in the training. In the training he stated that” No license will be issued from now until the recruiting agency's proprietor receives this two-day long training and certificates.  It will be effective from the next session. The link  of circular is
    www.bmet.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/bmet.portal.gov.bd/notices/2db2923d_d94a_4bfc_9d9d_d6e0a74f85d0/2023-04-30-08-37-98559c5a419e1c7f145364411ec68931.pdf
  1. The government has acknowledged this training where the DG said that this two-days long training is considered as the foundation training for newly licensed recruiting agencies. This training modality is designed comprehensively to make the eligible in this market, to make you successful and reduce the fraudulence in recruitment management. This capacity building training will act as the mentoring system so that you can be guided according to the law along with rules and regulations.
  2. This training is highlighted by the media as well where DESH TV telecasted news on this training.

The link of the coverage is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kD6PAhY62xc

Capacity Building Training on Complaint Management in Migration Services through Arbitration/ Mediation
Date: 20 and 21 February 2023
Jointly Organised by: BMET and RMMRU
Venue: CHRD Cumilla, BURO Bangladesh

Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) and Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training (BMET) have jointly conducted a capacity building training on “Capacity Building Training on Complaint Management in Migration Services through Arbitration/ Mediation”. 26 BMET Arbitration Officers of BMET and DEMO from 16 districts joined the training. The day-long session was organised at CHRD Cumilla, BURO Bangladesh with the support ISEPR project of British High Commission. It aims to improve DEMO and BMET officials' knowledge and skills in arbitration and mediation in order to provide legal services to affected migrants. The interactive sessions on BMET complaint management arbitration practices, RMMRU migration mediation, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) etc. helped to enrich the officials and encouraged the government to decentralize the arbitration through DEMO officials.

This workshop was chaired by Mr Md. Shahidul Alam, NDC, Director General, BMET and Ms. Aroma Dutta, MP, member of Parliamentarians' Caucus on Migration graced the event as the Chief Guest. In this training AHM Anwar Pasha, Additional Director General, BMET presented special guests. Marina Sultana, Director, Programme RMMRU, moderated the first session of the training.

On the other hand, Advocate Md. Tajul Islam, Advocate Emdadul Haque Kazi, Supreme Court of Bangladesh presented the legal part according to the Migration Act 2013. Mr. Masud Rana, Senior Statistics officer, BMET and Johora Monsor, Deputy Director (Employment) presented on the arbitration system of BMET using mock Salish practices/role play sessions engaging the participants according to migration act and recruiting agency related rules. Earlier on 21st February at 12:01 PM Mr. Md. Shahidul Alam (NDC), Director General, BMET, RMMRU, DEMO and BMET officials showed Shaheed Minar of Comilla Technical Training Centre. Being the Chief Guest, in the inaugural session of the workshop presented the context of the Language Movement of 1952 and the contribution of language martyrs including the martyred intellectual Mr. Dhirendranath Dutta. They were remembered with great respect.

The Chair of the Programme Mr. Md. Shahidul Alam, NDC, thanked RMMRU for organizing this capacity building training of ADR. He stated that " This workshop will help to provide services to the affected migrants by enhancing the skills of the concerned officials of BMET and DEMO in arbitration/mediation as well as speed up the decentralisation of BMET's arbitration activities." He instructed the concerned officials to take the required actions, inform the migrant community about this process of justice mechanism. He said that the officials will be enriched and motivated to take the responsibility to ensure justice for migrants.

Ensuring Mental Health Wellbeing: Role of Life skills and Self care
Date: 14 and 15 March 2023
Jointly Organised by: RMMRU
Venue: Migrant Support Center
Supported by ISEPR project, British High Commission

RMMRU has been providing residential and other assistance to the vulnerable returnee female migrants through its Migrant Services Centre at Dakshinkhan in collaboration with the Expatriates’ Welfare Desk. While providing services to them, RMMRU realized that the females need psycho-social counselling support for managing their psychosocial stress, mental wellbeing as well as social and economic reintegration along with family adaptation. Under this circumstance, RMMRU provided counselling support to 31 vulnerable returnee migrants on “Ensuring Mental Health Wellbeing: Role of Life skills and Self care” on 14 and 15 March 2023 at Migrant Support Centre (MSC) under the Inclusive and Sustainable Economic and Psycho-social Reintegration: A Survivor-Centered Approach for the Returned Migrants (ISEPR) project to redress the vulnerability of returnee migrants and their family members.

The main objective of this assignment is to ensure counseling support to redress the vulnerability of female returnee migrants and migrants’ family for reintegration purposes. The specific objectives are

• Reduce the vulnerability of male and female migrants in context of social, and economic reintegration
• Ensuring well being of mental health of returnee migrants especially female and children through psycho- social counselling

Md. Amir Hussain (Shaju) a Clinical Psychologist from Nasirullah Psychotherapy Unit (NPU), Dhaka University and Ms. Kaniz Fatema, Clinical Psychologist from the same institutions conducted the counselling session.
30 vulnerable returnee migrants and survivors from 12 districts received the counselling session. The districts are Dhaka, Manikganj, Saver, Narayongaj, Noakhali, Candpur, Gazipur, Bagerhat, Mymensingh, Narshingdi, Feni, Moulvibazar. Among them 25 are female and 5 are male members.

A female migrant came with her autistic baby boy who is stressed because of her son’s illness. She said “I migrated for the treatment of my disabled boy but returned with more suffering. So I am feeling hopeless and disappointed. After receiving the counselling session she said” every person has problems in their daily life, I have to overcome my struggles keeping in mind that he has no one without me”.

Capacity Enhancement Workshop of Lawyers, Journalists and CSOs in Ensuring Access to Justice for the Migrant Workers
Organised by Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU)
Supported by The Asia Foundation
Date: 17-18 February, 2023
Venue: BCDM, Savar, Dhaka

A two-day capacity enhancement workshop of lawyers, journalists and CSOs in ensuring access to justice for the migrant workers was organized by Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) with the support of The Asia Foundation on 17 and 18 February, 2023 at BCDM, Savar, Dhaka. Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua and Advocates Farida Yeasmin and Tajul Islam, Udisa Islam, Special Correspondent, Bangla Tribune; Kazi Abul Kalam, former Joint Secretary, MoEWOE; Dr. Nurul Islam, migration expert; Binoy Krishna Mallick, Executive Director, Rights Jessore; Rezaur Rahman Lenin, researcher and activist and Kazi Faisal Bin Seraj, Country Representative, The Asia Foundation attended the workshop as Resource Persons and Panelists. Lawyers from three district and sessions’ judge courts, journalists and members of civil society organisations also participated.

The aims of the workshop were to examine the scope of the 2013 Migration Act and the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act, 2012; the experiences of lawyers in higher judiciary and the field experience of ongoing cases in the lower courts; shortcomings of BMET arbitration and its possible guidelines; the experiences of ADR mechanism in migration related disputes; and the role of civil society and media in securing migrants’ access to justice.

On the first day after the welcome address by CR Abrar Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua conducted a session on comparative analysis of the Overseas Employment and Migrants Act, 2012 and the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act, 2013. Farida Yeasmin and Md.Tajul Islam conducted sessions on the scope and shortcomings of the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism of the existing law in settling migration related disputes. There is a rule for arbitration mentioned in the Act of 2013, what is there is not standard, mentioned Md. Tajul Islam. Then lawyers from three districts presented the prevailing scenario of migration and human trafficking cases in their respective districts. They said that generally civil cases are not filed in those courts due to lack of necessary evidence and documents. The first day's activities concluded with a session on scope for judicial activism for protecting rights of migrants.

On the second day, after the recap of issues covered in Day 1 two panel discussions were held on the role of media and civil society in ensuring access to justice for migrant workers. The speakers noted local level journalists can play a vital role in projecting migrants’ experiences in accessing justice at the grassroots level in the media.

On both the days, participating lawyers, journalists and members of civil society organisations took part in open discussions and exchanged insights and experiences. The workshop concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Kazi Faisal Bin Seraj and vote of thanks by CR Abrar.

Dissemination Workshop on ‘Death of Women Migrant Workers in Destination Countries’
Date: 31 January 2023
Venue: Parliament Members’ Club

From 1991 to 2021, Bangladesh has sent 12,636,361 migrant workers abroad where 10,00,456 were women migrant workers. In the last five years, 430,453 women migrants have gone abroad. In spite of the huge number of women migrant workers’ participation in the migration; the issue of their death at the destination countries is often not discussed that much. From 2017 to 2022, Bangladesh has brought back 664 bodies of women migrants from different countries. In 2019 alone, 129 women migrant workers’ dead bodies were brought home. Of them, 24 had committed suicide. This data triggered the Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) to dive down into the issue. In this regard, RMMRU initiated a qualitative study on ‘Death of Women Migrant Workers in Destination Countries’ with an aim to develop evidence-based policy suggestions as well as recommendations on the investigation procedure regarding the cases of suspicious death of women migrants abroad. The findings of the study are expected to play an important role in pursuing the government of Bangladesh to ensure protection including that of investigation into the causes of unnatural death besides negotiating with the CoDs to provide Bangladeshi women migrant workers’ concrete protection. RMMRU organised a dissemination workshop on 'Death of Women Migrant Workers in Destination Countries’ on January 31st, 2023 at the Parliament Member’s Club in this regard. Dr. Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Chairman, NHRC graced the event as the chief guest and Dr. Tasneem Siddiqui, Founding Chair of RMMRU and Chairperson, Department of Political Science, Dhaka University shared the findings of the study and moderated the event with other experts.

The objective of this workshop was to share evidence-based policy suggestions to ensure protection of the female migrant workers abroad, and pursue a rapid response mechanism to support the affected women migrant workers and their families. The recommendations derived from the study believed to support to pursue effective reinvestigation procedures and easy legal access in cases of suspicious deaths of women migrant workers in the destination countries.

While sharing the findings of the study Dr. Tasneem Siddiqui, Founding Chair, RMMRU shared that 69% of the deceased female migrant died of natural causes. However, in case of Saudi Arabia 24% had died committing suicide. The research shows that unnatural death are recorded only in labour receiving countries, no case of unnatural death reported in non-labour receiving Asian and developed western countries. She shared that the migrant families are not aware about the rights and entitlements of the deceased migrant. 56% received information of the demise of their migrant family member within-five days of death. 48% of the interviewed family members of the deceased female migrants under this research said that they did not trust the cause of death assigned in the death certificate. In cases of compensation there are also much to do. Dr. Siddiqui also added that receiving the dead body of the deceased is a new ball gain altogether. Household members hardly had any information on how to proceed. No designated place is there for the dead bodies. They are kept inside premises on a temporary

arrangement. Papers, documents, attestations required is in different places. Families have hard time in finishing all the documentation in a reasonable time.

From the participants, CSO, media, medical experts and international organization representatives suggested to add sessions on raising awareness about the work environment as well as migrants’ rights and the awareness about the physical and mental fitness during the Pre-departure orientation session. Ms. Ms. Tapati Saha from UN Women said the government should ensure the workplace safety through bilateral treaties or agreement or any other means specially in case of domestic work sector as most cases of death is happening in this sector.

Mr. Md. Shahidul Alam, NDC, DG, BMET and the special guest of the event applauded the research initiative. He requested to include the segregated roles of the BMET, WEWB and other government line agencies in these death cases of women migrant workers so that a smooth and immediate service can be ensured.
Mr. Md. Selim Reza, Full time member of NHRC recommended to give importance on digitalization on maintaining data of death cases. A mobile app can also be developed to provide service and receive complaints of the family members of the deceased migrant workers. He also emphasized on enhancing the quality of the training provided by BMET and urged WEWB to come forward to give direct service. He recommended to select a nominee beforehand migrating to the abroad so that in cases of death in destination countries, the family can get the compensation in no time.

Mr. Rana Mohammad Sohail, MP, member of Parliament Caucus on Migration and Development who was present as the Guest of Honour said that the work contract should be concrete otherwise the negotiation with the destination countries in such cases would become weak. There should be contractual obligation in the work contract regarding postmortem and investigation in the destination countries to force it with legal bindings.

The Chief Guest of the event, Dr. Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Chairman, NHRC said such research is commendable as the human rights of the vulnerable migrant workers are recognized through this work. This research clearly shows there are needs of reinvestigation, provide safety, so the government, CSOs, and other responsible institutions must work in these cases. The responsible stakeholders must raise the issues and be vocal in the international forum like GFMD, Abu Dhabi Dialogue, Colombo Process etc.

Barrister Shameem Haider Patowary, MP, Chairperson of Bangladesh Parliamentarians’ Caucus on Migration & Development and chair of the dissemination workshop said the research is very timely initiative and suggested to include agency-wise data in terms of death cases in the destination countries so that the migrant workers can be aware from whom they should take services. He recommended to appoint a female police officials and doctors at the airport in the origin country who will initiate a primary postmortem of the dead body. Beside emphasizing on the digitalization, he highlighted the need of regular follow up and communication with the female migrant workers abroad weekly or fortnightly to ensure their workplace safety. One stop service at the destination country can be an important addition to safety measures for the female migrant workers. He also urged to appoint the experts/officials from the MoEWOE to the destination country as counselor or welfare officer so that the service towards migrant workers will be more concrete.

Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting at BILS
Project: Vital Signs: Quantifying and Researching Asian worker deaths in the Gulf Building a Coalition for Greater Protection
Date: 24th January, 2023
Venue: Conference Room, BILS

A stakeholders’ engagement meeting was held with Bangladesh Institute of Labor Studies (BILS) officials on the Vital Signs report, Migrant Workers’ Access to Health in the Gulf on January 24, 2023 at BILS office. Ms. Kohinoor Mahmood, Director, BILS; Ms. Nazma Yesmin, Director, BILS; Mr. Md. Manirul Islam, Deputy Director, BILS; Mr. M A Majid, Deputy Director, BILS and other senior officials of the Institute attended the meeting. The Executive Director of RMMRU, Dr. C R Abrar presented the summary report before the representatives of BILS. After the presentation of the report, representatives of BILS and RMMRU participated in an open discussion on various issues highlighted in the report and labour migration. They shared their practical experiences.

RMMRU and the Vital Signs partnership is supported by the UK based organisation, Fair Square which is researching the causes of unnatural deaths of South Asian migrant workers in the Gulf destination countries and their access to health care issues. The report was the second in a series of three. It was published as part of the study.

Report on “Business Advisory Training for Returnee Migrants and Families”
Organised by Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit ( RMMRU)
Supported by ISEPR project of the British High Commission
Date: 21 January 2023
Place: Tangail

A business advisory training titled “Business Advisory Training for Returnee Migrants and Families” was conducted on 21 January 2023 in Tangail to increase the skill and capacity of returnee migrants and their families to develop businesses by themselves. Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) under the project ‘Inclusive and Sustainable Economic and Psycho-social Reintegration: A Survivor-Centered Approach for the Returned Migrants’ organized this training engaging 55 returnee migrants and families from Paikora Union, Elenga Pourosova and Gala Unions.
Objectives of the training are

• To enhance the skill and promoting the capacity of returnee migrants and their family members to develop businesses and make them Entrepreneur or Businessman in their own.
• To generate new business ideas and select suitable businesses for the returnee migrants and family members for reintegration.

Ms. Marina Sultana, Director Programme of RMMRU, presented the training objectives and led training sessions. Ms. Sonia Shahid, Market Development Expert and Mr. Sajjad Hossain Bhuiyan, Financial Literacy Expert conducted the training with in–depth sessions plan. In addition, Ms Nazma Akhter, Field Coordinator, and Ms Rabeya Nasrin, Project Manager, also facilitated the training.Through this training the trainer explored the most feasible business for the returnees and families to develop and run their own business and make them an entrepreneur. The participants were oriented with market-oriented business plans and familiarised with the technical part of the business like cost of business, income from the business, safe investments plans etc. through group work, poster presentations, discussions etc.

“I have a business of sweet shop and I am skilled in making local sweets (golla) by my own. I will expand my business using the knowledge and recommendations of this training. This training helped me to explore my capacities and skill and talents.” said by a returnee migrants in this training.

RMMRU identified the most potential returnee migrants and families through this training and developed realistic business ideas for them as part of economic reintegration initiatives. A total of 55 returnee migrants and family members joined the training.