Dhaka: The government has allocated a total of Taka 12.15 crore to 3,926 meritorious children of expatriate workers as educational assistance over the past year. In addition, Taka 10 lakh was distributed to 861 disabled children of expatriate workers as an allowance, as per an official document from the Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, insurance claims worth approximately Taka 98 crore were collected on behalf of the families of 1,864 deceased expatriate workers in the past year. An amount of Taka 17.4 crore was also disbursed to the families of deceased workers for transportation and burial expenses, with each family receiving Taka 35,000.
In a bid to aid sick expatriate workers, the government provided Taka 9.17 crore to 1,007 injured and sick workers as medical assistance. Additionally, 4,077 families of deceased workers received financial assistance totaling Taka 120.04 crore, with each family obtaining Taka 3 lakh.
The government successfully realized about Taka 123.5 crore as compensation, arrears, insurance, and service benefits for 1,047 deceased workers who died abroad. These funds were subsequently handed over to their families.
Moreover, Taka 17.55 crore was granted to 1,290 expatriate workers who returned from Lebanon due to the war situation, according to official data. The government also facilitated the release of 188 imprisoned expatriates in the United Arab Emirates who showed solidarity with Bangladesh's 2024 student-people movement and announced a financial incentive of Taka 94 crore for them.
The ministry continues to provide support for the safe homes of expatriate workers who are sick, disabled, or detained. It also offers legal assistance, including the repatriation of deceased bodies through 44 embassies abroad, and free ambulance services for expatriate workers.