20/04/2021 Migrant Workers Stuck Home: Drowning in debt | The Daily Star Shariful Hasan, head of Brac Migration Programme, said the pandemic forced a large number of migrant workers to return home within two to three years of their migration. This group of migrants either borrowed money or sold their properties to pay migration costs, he said, adding at the time of their return, many of them were in debt. And after returning home, they took fresh loans or borrowed money mostly to meet family expenses, he added. Shariful said the government needs to create employment opportunities for the unemployed to help them come out of debt. Many Bangladeshi migrant workers are hired by construction companies in host countries and they develop skills in the sector. So, upon their return, the government can create opportunities for such workers in development projects inside the country, he said. Similarly, returnees with other skills could be employed in relevant fields inside the country. Besides, there should be effort for those who want to re-migrate, he further said. Contacted, Nazibul Islam, additional secretary (training) of expatriates' welfare ministry, said the ministry has taken an initiative to provide returnee migrants with recognition of prior learning (RPL) certificates. On obtaining a RPL certificate, a returnee migrant will be able to get a job in the domestic labour market while it will also help him or her re-migrate, Nazibul told this newspaper over the phone. The official said initially, their target is to provide RPL certificates to 2,000 returnees, but the number could be extended based on response from the returnees. Stay updated on the go with The Daily Star Android & iOS News App. Click here to download it for your device. The Daily Star Breaking news alert on your phone Grameenphone: Type START <space> BR and send SMS it to 22222 Robi: Type START <space> BR and send SMS it to 2222 https://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/news/migrant-workers-stuck-home-drowning-debt-2079821 4/7