Thousands of Bangladeshi expatriates in different countries are passing tough times after being unemployed due to lockdowns and other restrictions imposed by their governments to contain the spread of coronavirus, said sources concerned. A sense of uncertainty, not knowing what lies for them in the near future, has gripped the expatriates as most of them are in mandatory isolation due to the various restrictions imposed by the countries affected by the corona pandemic.
Considering the situation, experts concerned stressed that the government should provide immediate support to the expatriates, especially the jobless and illegal ones, through Bangladeshi missions abroad. More than 10 million Bangladeshis work in different countries of the world. Of them, around 666,000 returned home between January and mid-March as the coronavirus spread to all parts of the world.
The remaining Bangladeshi expatriates got stuck either due to suspension of flights or other complications like becoming illegal. Ajmol Hussain, 24, a Bangladeshi living in Germany, told Bangladesh Post, “The expatriates in the European country, especially those living illegally, are leading an uncertain life following the outbreak of coronavirus.”
“Illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in Germany and elsewhere in Europe are the worst sufferers as they have no job and cannot go outside due to the restrictions imposed by the governments,” he added. Shamsul Alam, manager of a restaurant in Italy, told Bangladesh Post over phone: “Those who are living legally here used to work on contractual basis. Now, most of them have lost their jobs due to coronavirus outbreak.”
In reply to a query, he said, “My employer has assured that I would get the salary. But if the situation prolongs, it won’t be possible for the owners to pay the salary.” Coronavirus disease or COVID-19, which emerged from Wuhan city of China, has infected 1,040,664 people in almost all countries and regions of the world, claiming 55,191 lives until April 3. The World Health Organization has declared the disease a pandemic.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen recently told the media, “Many of the Bangladeshi expatriates are now unemployed. Many will not get back their jobs once lockdown is lifted.” “The government of those countries wants to send Bangladeshi expatriates especially who are still staying illegally. Many countries are repeatedly urging the return of Bangladeshi workers, especially the Middle East countries, he said.
Momen said the government has directed all Bangladesh missions to provide maximum support to the expatriates. A foreign ministry source said under the circumstances, five ministries will hold a meeting on April 5 to determine what should be done about the workers working abroad.
“High officials of five ministries including expatriate welfare, foreign affairs and home affairs ministries will attend the meeting,” he said.
Meanwhile, some leading economists said remittance inflow will decline this month due to coronavirus. If the crisis continues for several months, it will have a serious negative impact on the entire economy of the country, they said.
Renowned economist Zahid Hussain told Bangladesh post, “The outbreak of coronavirus in the world has dealt a heavy blow to the global economy, which may be affected on remittance in Bangladesh.” Bangladesh expatriates have faced many challenges abroad as coronavirus has broken down all activities of the world, he added.
He mentioned that most of the unskilled workers of Bangladesh who work in the Middle East countries feared losing jobs as many companies have temporary closed while many small businessmen have passed critical time following coronavirus pandemic. Many expatriates have returned home while some new visa holders cannot go abroad for lockdown in most countries which may create a negative situation in the inflow of remittance, Hussain said.
Expatriates are returning daily from different countries, especially from the Middle East nations, for various reasons including visa complications, he said adding that coronavirus is now associated with it. This will be a negative impact in the flow of remittances, the economist expressed fear.
The country’s remittance inflow witnessed rising trend to stand at $12.50 billion in the first eight months in fiscal year 2019-20. The inflow increased by 20 percent during the time compared to the same period of time last year, which was $10.41 billion, according to Bangladesh bank.
