On an average, the affected migrants lost Tk175,000 – minimum Tk9,500 and maximum Tk5
lakh each.
The remaining 26 percent returnees do not have any payments due.
The findings of the research were published at a webinar titled "The Other Face of
Globalisation: Arbitrary Return of Bangladeshi Migrants and Their Unpaid Dues" on Monday.
Dr Tasneem Siddiqui, founder chairman of RMMRU, presented the findings.
The research, led by the RMMRU and supported by the Manusher Jonno Foundation, was
conducted through an in-depth interview of 50 migrants who returned in the last three
months.
All the respondents, who returned from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and
Malaysia, were males aged 36 years on an average.
They are from 16 districts of the country who were engaged in multiple professions in the
destination countries.
This research looks into two issues – experiences of their return from the Gulf states and
Malaysia, and the settlement of dues before their return.
Atiq, 55, a returnee from the UAE, said in his interview, "I have been working in a steel factory
for 14 years. As part of my payment procedure, I used to get a small amount per month, and
after a while, the owners used to clear all dues. I have an outstanding amount of around Tk5
lakh, including the last two months' wages."
According to the research, the majority of the returnees were facing hardship as they lost jobs,
received partial or no payment from employers. That is why they had to venture out
disobeying lockdowns to secure food. A section of them was able to maintain subsistence.
Why did they return?
Three-quarters of respondents were picked up from public places, detained and forcibly
returned. One-tenth returned voluntarily (mostly from Malaysia).