Those who returned from Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar alleged they had unpaid dues ranging from Tk 9,500 to Tk 5 lakh, she said, presenting the outcome of the survey. Prof Tasneem said 39 out of the 50 respondents said they were picked up by police during the pandemic and later repatriated. Five migrants returned voluntarily, while three returned on leave and three with help from their employers, she said. Every migrant worker deserves respect because the country's economy depends on their hard-earned remittance, said MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam. She stressed for sending more skilled workers overseas to avoid exploitation. Nazrul Islam, director general at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, said as of Saturday, some 16,484 migrant workers returned home during the pandemic. Ahmed Munirus Saleheen, secretary to the Expatriates' Welfare Ministry, said repatriation of migrant workers during Covid-19 pandemic is a global phenomenon. "Many workers travel with 'free visa' for their jobs overseas. As a result, it becomes difficult to realise compensation for such workers," he said. 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 Banglalink: Type START <space> BR and send SMS it to 2225 Find more information on SMS subscription LEAVE YOUR COMMENTSCOMMENT POLICY  TOP