Dhaka: The overseas employment sector experienced a notable surge last year as expatriates remitted approximately $32,816.87 million from January to December 2025. This figure underscores the significant role of expatriates in bolstering the national economy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh Bank reported a total of $33.33 billion in expatriate income for the fiscal year 2024-25, a substantial increase from the $23.91 billion recorded in the 2023-24 fiscal year. This rise highlights the government's successful efforts in creating overseas employment opportunities and ensuring the welfare of expatriates. Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, emphasized the government's realistic plan to support expatriates, who are considered key contributors to the economy.
Data from Bangladesh Bank indicated that from July to December 29, 2025, expatriates sent $16,079 million in remittances, compared to $13,658 million during the same period the previous fiscal year. This increase is attributed to various factors, including a narrowing gap between official and informal exchange rates and measures to combat money laundering.
Experts from workers' rights groups noted that Bangladesh signed a historic agreement with Saudi Arabia for sending workers, marking a milestone in diplomatic relations between the two countries. Additionally, multi-visa arrangements for Bangladeshi expatriate workers in Malaysia have been established, and voting rights for expatriates were ensured for the first time.
A total of 752,715 Bangladeshi nationals went to Saudi Arabia for employment last year, while Qatar received 107,472 job seekers. Singapore and Kuwait also received significant numbers of Bangladeshi workers, with 70,056 and 72,717, respectively, seeking overseas employment. A BMET official mentioned ongoing efforts to increase the number of overseas migrant workers and ensure their rights and protection.
The government has been exploring new destinations for skilled and semi-skilled workers, including Russia, Brunei Darussalam, and Eastern Europe. Various training programmes have been introduced for healthcare professionals and other sectors to develop skilled manpower for overseas employment. Training areas include shipbuilding engineering, refrigeration and air-conditioning, general mechanics, and foreign languages, among others.