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“We request the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment to take measures in this regard as swiftly and comprehensively as possible,” the organisation founded by returnee migrant workers said in a statement on Monday.
It said about 20 million Bangladeshi migrant workers of both irregular and regular status are working in different countries and many of them have been severely affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
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OKUP estimated that several hundred thousand migrant workers might be forced to return because of the global recession triggered by the pandemic.
“Their current situation is already alarming. A lot of migrant workers in the countries of destination have become unemployed or have not been receiving their salaries,” the organisation said.
OKUP said these families are not included in the government’s ration card schemes since they do not live below poverty lines.
“Migrant workers’ ... hard earned remittances have been essential for the growth and prosperity of Bangladesh. Therefore, it is our duty and responsibility to stand beside the families of migrant workers and returnees,” the organisation said.