The government has decided to propose the formation of an inter-ministerial committee to improve services for Bangladeshi expatriates, address harassment in passport and other essential services, and facilitate lower-cost overseas migration through legal channels.
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury disclosed the plan while responding to a call attention notice raised by Independent MP Rumeen Farhana in Parliament on Tuesday.
The minister said the proposed committee comprising representatives from relevant ministries and agencies would review problems relating to passports, airport services, visas, medical examinations and other services for expatriate Bangladeshis and recommend necessary measures to ensure coordinated and hassle-free service delivery.
He said the government has been working in coordination with relevant ministries and agencies to safeguard the welfare of Bangladeshi migrants.
The process of repatriating the bodies of Bangladeshi migrant workers has been made easier since the current government assumed office.
He said the Wage Earners' Welfare Board provides assistance under its existing policy for bringing back bodies, receiving them at airports, handing them over to families, supporting burial arrangements and providing financial grants.
Through expatriate welfare desks at the country's three international airports, the government provides an immediate grant of Tk 35,000 to cover transportation and burial expenses, he added.
During the 2025-26 fiscal year, the government provided Tk 18.59 crore to the families of 5,312 deceased migrant workers, the minister said.
He also said the Wage Earners' Welfare Board operates five ambulances to transport the bodies of deceased expatriates and seriously ill returnees to their homes.
Families of migrant workers holding BMET overseas clearance or membership of the Wage Earners' Welfare Board receive Tk 300,000 in financial assistance within two months of the worker's death, he said.
The minister added that returning migrant workers suffering from illness are eligible for medical assistance of up to Tk 200,000.
He said expatriate welfare desks remain operational round the clock at airports to ensure the dignified handling and handover of deceased migrant workers. Officials from the Aviation Security, Customs authorities and the Welfare Board jointly supervise the process, he added.
On medical examinations for overseas workers, Ariful Haque said fees are fixed by the Directorate General of Health Services and that 181 medical centres have so far been enlisted by the ministry.
He said the listed medical centres are regularly monitored and action is taken against any institution found charging excessive fees or engaging in irregularities.
Responding to a supplementary question from Rumeen Farhana elected from Brahmanbaria-2, the minister said the government has already formed a committee to curb irregular migration and human trafficking through sea routes and other illegal channels.
He said the government has made significant progress in preventing irregular migration since taking office and is working to reduce migration costs so that more Bangladeshis can go abroad through legal means.
"We have undertaken initiatives to send workers overseas at lower costs. We hope we will be able to ensure overseas employment at affordable costs," he said, adding that the committee is monitoring the issue on a regular basis.
Earlier, Rumeen Farhana noted that unemployment remains a major challenge, with 2.5 to 3 million young people entering the labour market annually according to official estimates, while unofficial figures suggest the number exceeds 10 million.
She also pointed out that migration costs for Bangladeshis are significantly higher than those for workers from countries such as India and Pakistan, prompting many to attempt dangerous and irregular journeys to Europe.
The MP asked what steps the government is taking to reduce migration costs and raise awareness among prospective migrant workers to encourage them to use legal migration channels.