Migrant workers: Dedicated centre to help ease their hassles

The government has established a dedicated centre for migrant workers to reduce the hassles they face while migrating abroad and returning home.

Built on over 140 kathas of land in the capital's Khilkhet, the "Bangabandhu Wage Earners' Centre" will provide outbound and inbound workers with accommodation at affordable prices.

The centre will hold pre-departure briefings for outbound workers on destination countries and different services offered by the Wage Earners' Welfare Board (WEWB). It will also brief returnee migrants on reintegration for socio-economic development.

The initiative has been taken marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, according to information available on the WEWB website.

Shoaib Ahmad Khan, director (finance and welfare) of WEWB, said the centre will start providing full-fledged services after Ramadan.

He said migrant workers who need to stay in Dhaka before their flights or after returning home from abroad can get accommodation at the centre after showing necessary documents.

On many occasions, the workers have to come to Dhaka from different districts a day before their scheduled flights, the official said.

The workers, after landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport late at night, find it difficult to get affordable accommodations for overnight stay, the WEWB director said.

This centre can be a suitable place for such migrants, he said, adding that they would also ensure transport for them.

It takes only 20-25 minutes to reach the centre from the airport. Nearly 50 people can stay there at a time. There are 10-12 seats for female migrants as well, he said.

"Once the centre becomes operational, it will be clearer which service needs improvement," Shoaib added.

According to the WEWB website, a migrant worker will need Tk 200 for an overnight stay there.

To get the accommodation, the workers have to apply either in person or online paying Tk 100 in registration fees.

One can apply for a seat and stay for maximum two nights at a time.

They have to show documents such as passport, air ticket copy, copy of immigration clearance and relevant other documents.

The migrant workers can also use lockers for keeping their important documents. Telephone and internet services will be available for them at the centre.

Besides, food will be arranged at affordable prices.