Making life easier for our expats

The plight of Bangladeshi expatriates abroad has long been a topic of concern, and the urgency to address their challenges has never been more pressing. To that end, we are encouraged to see Bangladesh joining the Apostille Convention, through which documents attested by the Bangladesh foreign ministry would no longer be required to authenticate by the host countries of Bangladeshi students, workers, and those travelling to meet their family members -- leading to saving time and money.

As one of the largest contributors to the national economy through remittances, our expatriates have long deserved better support and protection from the authorities concerned. This commitment through the convention to ensure that minimal hassles abroad is a step in the right direction, but it’s only a small step to a much larger problem.
Expatriates often encounter a myriad of issues, from bureaucratic red tape to exploitation by employers. These challenges naturally affect their livelihood but also play a major part in tarnishing the image of Bangladesh on the global stage. As such, the need for dedicated support systems has never been more prevalent. We must also think more pro-actively about enhancing the skills and training of our workers before they leave. This can empower them to negotiate better terms and conditions with employers abroad.
While we appreciate the government beginning to think of the welfare of our expatriates, there needs to be more done for them. At a time when we rely on them more than ever as a result of our dwindling foreign reserves, their protection goes beyond just national pride and is a crucial element of our economy. By ensuring minimal hassles for them, we not only protect our citizens but also strengthen the foundations of our economy, reports DT.