Migrant laborers return to Bangladesh as Saudi aspirations disappoint them

 

At Dhaka’s bustling international airport, a group of travelers stood out amongst the joyous family reunions. These weary men held only thin blankets acquired on the journey. Dressed in simple tracksuits and rubber slippers, some did not even have shoes. Their recent deportation from Saudi Arabia revealed a troubling story of desperation. In 2022, nearly 70,000 Bangladeshi migrant workers faced removal from the Gulf Kingdom primarily due to a lack of a valid residency permit known as an iqama.

Returning home empty-handed instead of successful breadwinners, they brought back frequent accounts of abuse, deception, and financial ruin endured abroad. One man’s ordeal epitomized the suffering of many — despite paying large recruitment fees, he found himself deported after nine months of work without pay. Another recounted the stark contrast of being promised a job at a luxury hotel but ending up toiling at a modest tea stall instead.

As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the prestigious 2034 FIFA World Cup, concerns persist over the massive reliance on low-wage migrant labor, including many from Bangladesh. The disturbing stories of mistreatment and exploitation suffered by migrant workers in Saudi Arabia serve as a cautionary tale, casting a shadow over the hoped-for glory of the global event.

Despite claimed reforms and assurances from Saudi authorities, migrants continued to face unavoidable challenges, highlighting the need for greater accountability. Many deportees blamed their predicament on employers failing to secure or renew their mandatory iqama documents. As families eagerly awaited loved ones at Dhaka airport, the grim reality confronting them was one of lost hope and despair.