Friends of Bangladeshi migrant workers wait outside the airport to see their friends for the last time. Dhaka. Bangladesh. 1997

Appeal: Please do something for the exploited migrant workers of Middle East

We, like all other fellow Bangladeshis, are deeply saddened to learn about the conditions of some Bangladeshi migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. We came to know about their conditions in several internet discussion groups and are calling for the authorities to take swift measures.

This particular news we are concerned - is about the Bangladeshi labors working for the Oyon Al-Hejaji Maintenance and Cleaning Company. ( reported by Arab News, May 26th - "Exploited Bangladeshi laborers abandoned by their embassy")

The company recruited Bangladeshi workers for very low wage and after the first month the workers were compensated one third of the promised amount. After one month, the news report details, the workers were left on themselves to find their own work and destiny. In this day and age this is an absolute mockery of the common labor recruitment practices.

The news details the bureaucracy and inactivity in the part of related counselor officials. We regret to learn that this particular case has been reported about one year ago and has not been solved yet. We urge our officials in Saudi Arabia to keep in mind the great importance and impact of the foreign currency sent to Bangladesh as remittances by the skilled and un-skilled migrant-workers. This is an essential part of our national economy.

According to the report, his Excellency, the Bangladeshi Ambassador to Saudi Arabia has expressed his inability to take 'direct' responsibility for these Bangladeshis. In our opinion, this is simply an unfortunate, outrageous and avoidance of responsibility. As the chief representative and our highest official of Bangladesh in Saudi Arabia entrusted with duties of serving our country-folks - we urge Mr. Ambassador to look into this matter immediately. We also would like to ask the newly formed Ministry for the Expatriate Bangladeshis to provide any and all necessary assistance to the Embassy. These are our fellow countrymen and many families must be suffering along with them. We understand not everything is within the counselor's capability - but such avoidance of direct or indirect responsibility will cause the last remaining hopes to fade away.

In an encouraging development of events, according to a recent ILO (International Labour Organization) news communiqué - Thursday 18 April 2002 ( ILO/02/17 ) - "After a visit to Saudi Arabia earlier this year by a team of ILO experts, the Saudi Minister of Labour, Dr. Ali Al-Namlah, has now signed into law new labour rules that allow workers in Saudi Arabia - both national and foreign - to establish committees to guard their interests at workplaces where 100 or more are employed." the Migrant workers rights has been recognized by the Saudi Arabian Authorities.

We understand the uniqueness of the Saudi Arabian migrant-labor market. We also understand the current market for foreign workers in Middle Eastern nations are in decline. In light of that we hope that this special attention, which is being asked here, from the Embassy will improve the general condition of Bangladeshi workers. It will create a fairer workplace and therefore create more opportunities for future employments.

We propose Mr. Ambassador take decisive actions to help these migrant workers and set-up an example of action to avoid the future violations of workers rights. We don't expect the total situation to change overnight. At the same time we do expect the workers will get their minimum dues and all the help form the embassy when needed. We expect the honorable Ambassador to be in contact with the proper authorities in Saudi Arabia and help our fellow countrymen in their dire times.

Sincerely,

Drishitpat Human Rights Activists.

Photo credit:
Shahidul Alam, Drik Photo Library (1)

Dr. Abdul Momen, Al Jazeera (2, 3)

Appeal Created by Syed Yousuf

Research: Asif Saleh