90% male workers sent abroad in 2016 were victims of corruption in Bangladesh: TIB

Ninety percent of male workers sent abroad last year fell prey to corruption at various levels in Bangladesh, according to Transparency International's local chapter TIB.

The Berlin-based corruption watchdog also says Tk 52.34 billion was smuggled out as 'money to buy visa' to the destination countries in 2016.

The organisation made the claims in a study - 'Good Governance in the Labour Migration Process: Problems and the Way Forward' - published at a press conference on Thursday.

It interviewed related government officials, recruiting agents, brokers, media, health centres and those willing to travel abroad for jobs from May last year until January this year.

TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the supply of migrant workers from Bangladesh was greater than the demand. "And the workers are suffering from harassment due to complexities in the process."

The study reveals that more than 525,000 workers were sent to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Singapore last year. Of them, 90 percent were subjected to corruption.

Besides, brokers charge female workers going abroad Tk 10,000-15,000 each, though the law stipulates that female workers are sent free.

The study said almost all those going abroad were compelled to pay bribes ranging from Tk 500 to 1000 each for police clearance.

It said a lack of coordination among government agencies increased the sufferings of the workers.

A worker has to visit several places for NID, passport, medical test, and biometric identification at the Bangladesh Bureau if Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET).

He has to pass 24 to 27 levels, including 11 in BMET, from collecting the visa to getting migration clearance.

The study said the workers have to pay Tk 13,000 to 15,000 each for group visa.

TIB alleged that BMET collects Tk 100 to 200 per visa for departure clearance beyond rules. 

The amount charged in case of Malaysian visas rises to Tk 15,000 each.

TIB has recommended reforming the law to make workers' selection, determination of compensation, and payment mandatory.

It advises the government to take steps to enhance skills of officials working at Bangladesh missions abroad.

It has also recommended legalising brokers' services to bring them under a process of accountability, and undertaking massive awareness campaigns to disseminate relevant information to aspiring migrants.