Staff Reporter:

Driven by persistent unemployment and agrarian income instability, a growing segment of residents from the Jamuna River basin in Sirajganj is turning to foreign employment for survival.

Every year, thousands of men and women across the district depart for overseas jobs, primarily heading to Middle Eastern nations such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman, alongside destination countries in Europe.

While foreign employment has elevated living standards and reshaped the local economy through steady remittance flows, job seekers continue to face severe risks posed by predatory broker networks.

OVERSEAS REGISTRATIONS ON THE RISE:

Official data from the Sirajganj District Employment and Manpower Office reveals that, 37,803 individuals registered for foreign employment through official channels between January 2021 and December 2025—an average of over 7,000 applicants per year.

The trend spiked in 2025, with 10,382 applicants registering from the district, comprising 10,202 men and 180 women. During the same year, 10,494 workers—including 10,057 men and 437 women—departed for foreign destinations.

Officials note that, limited industrial development in rural areas, coupled with higher wage prospects abroad, continues to drive youth migration.

REMITTANCES POWER LOCAL ECONOMY:

Foreign earnings sent by expatriates have become a cornerstone of Sirajganj’s financial landscape. Bangladesh Bank figures indicate that the district received $155.10 million (approximately Tk 1,900 crore) in remittances during the 2025–26 fiscal year, averaging nearly Tk 158 crore per month.

These inflows directly support family consumption while stimulating investments in land acquisition, residential construction, small business ventures, healthcare, and education across local markets.

EXPLOITATION AND BROKER FRAUD:

Despite the economic benefits, migration remains fraught with financial hazards. Due to a lack of awareness regarding government registration platforms, many rural job seekers rely on unauthorized local middlemen.

Returning workers report that, brokers frequently exploit applicants by promising high-paying jobs that fail to materialize. Families often sell ancestral land or secure high-interest loans from banks and microfinance institutions to pay exorbitant middleman fees.

“Many face severe distress upon arrival after finding that the promised jobs, wages, or accommodation do not match what they paid for,” said Md. Babu Mala, a returnee worker.

Others, who travel on inappropriate visit visas face legal entanglements and deportation, deepening their debt cycles.

NEED FOR SAFE MIGRATION MECHANISMS:

Officials and experts emphasize that, safeguards must be strengthened to protect outgoing workers from fraud and exploitation. “Every worker migrating through legal channels serves as a vital remittance warrior for our economy,” said Mu. Abdul Hannan, Assistant Director of the Sirajganj District Employment and Manpower Office.

“To avoid fraud, job seekers must bypass middlemen, verify job offers and visas through official channels, and utilize government training programs before departure.”

Stakeholders stress that, ensuring sustainable economic growth will require strict enforcement against illegal brokers, expanding skill development programs tailored to international demand, and establishing reintegration frameworks for returning workers.