Migration sector middlemen must be accountable

There is a propensity among many in Bangladesh to migrate to developed countries for various reasons, seeking to settle permanently in Europe, America or elsewhere. This does not mean they are severing ties with their country. They remain very much in touch with their kith and kin, sending a good portion of their income back home. Remittance sent by migrant workers is one of the main driving forces of our economy. Some even start different innovative enterprises with the money they earn abroad once they return.

Immigration to a foreign land is not easy and the procedures are time consuming, complex and costly. Many aspiring immigrants resort to different private companies in the country to facilitate their immigration. These facilitators are the middlemen, the agents.

At a programme on 28 April in the city, the Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) called for legalising these middlemen by bringing them within a legal framework. National professor Anisuzzaman said, everything of the migration sector should be brought into a system to ensure accountability. We need to place importance on accountability in the sector as it is the only way to halt the people being cheated.

It was also said at the programme that migration from Bangladesh was four to five times more costly compared to other countries. Aspiring migrants have few options other than depending on middlemen. These agents take advantage of the situation and charge exorbitant rates. This tendency would end if accountability was put in place.

In Bangladesh, the private sector is more involved in manpower export and government supervision is inadequate. This results to money laundering worth Tk 170 billion annually. Proper government supervision can slash that money laundering. Besides, ensuring proper immigration process would facilitate attaining 11 out of 17 Sustainable Development Goals. So, bringing migration middlemen under a legal framework and ensuring accountability in the sector is very important. They will also be benefitted in the process by being legally recognised and increasing their professionalism and competence. Also, it would be easier to rein in cheaters in the sector. The middle men would be recognised as agents, rather than ‘brokers’, a term used in a derogative sense. They might also come forward to stave off cheaters in the sector.

Certain powerful quarters have been swindling migration aspirants for years. Bangladesh has faced adversity in many potential foreign labour markets due to these swindlers. Many labour markets have shrunk or have even closed their doors to Bangladeshi workers because of them. Their illegal and fraudulent activities must be stopped. Hence, ensuring supervision, accountability and discipline in the manpower sector should be given importance. We hope that authorities will take necessary measures to bring the middlemen within a legally binding framework.