Why Do Many Bangladeshis Make Wrong Decisions About Going Abroad? Why Do They Fall Victim to Fraud So Easily? What Are the Solutions?
Why Do Many Bangladeshis Make Wrong Decisions About Going Abroad? Why Do They Fall Victim to Fraud So Easily? What Are the Solutions?
Migration has always been a dream for many Bangladeshis. The promise of a better life, higher income, improved living standards, and social recognition pushes thousands of people every year to leave their homeland in search of opportunities abroad. While migration has contributed billions of dollars to Bangladesh’s economy through remittances, the darker side of this story lies in the way countless individuals fall victim to fraud, scams, and false promises during their pursuit of overseas employment or settlement.
This article explores why Bangladeshis often make wrong decisions about going abroad, why fraud occurs so easily, and how these issues can be resolved through collective efforts by individuals, society, and the government.
1. The Historical Context of Migration in Bangladesh
Since the 1970s, labor migration has played a central role in Bangladesh’s economic development. Countries in the Middle East such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait have been major destinations for Bangladeshi workers. Over time, migration expanded to Malaysia, South Korea, Italy, Greece, and other nations. Today, nearly 13 million Bangladeshis live abroad, making the country one of the top labor-exporting nations in the world.
However, unlike many developed countries where migration is often facilitated through government agencies or official channels, in Bangladesh, private recruiting agencies, middlemen, and unlicensed brokers dominate the process. This structure creates opportunities for corruption, fraud, and exploitation.
2. Why Do Bangladeshis Fall Victim to Wrong Decisions and Fraud?
2.1 Lack of Proper Information
Most aspiring migrants come from rural areas where access to accurate, updated, and verified information is very limited. Instead, they rely on hearsay, brokers, or local agents who often mislead them with false promises of jobs, visas, or residency permits.
2.2 Socioeconomic Pressure
For many families, migration is seen as the ultimate solution to poverty. Relatives or neighbors who send money home from abroad are viewed as successful, pressuring others to follow in their footsteps—even if the process is risky or fraudulent.
2.3 Influence of Middlemen (Dalals)
Informal brokers dominate migration in Bangladesh. These brokers, often trusted community members, convince people by showing them fake documents, promising “guaranteed visas,” and taking large sums of money. Victims rarely verify such offers with government authorities.
2.4 Weak Legal and Administrative Framework
Although Bangladesh has strict laws regulating recruitment agencies, enforcement is weak. Many fraudulent agencies operate with impunity, and victims are often too afraid or powerless to seek justice.
2.5 Psychological Factors
Dreams of a better life often cloud judgment. Many victims ignore warning signs, believing that paying a broker or agent will ensure a secure future abroad. This "hope psychology" makes them easy prey for fraudsters.
3. How Do These Frauds Typically Happen?
1. Fake Job Offers: Brokers show fabricated job contracts from foreign companies. Victims pay lakhs of taka, only to find no job exists upon arrival.
2. Visa Scams: Unscrupulous agents provide tourist or student visas instead of work visas, leaving migrants stranded abroad.
3. High Recruitment Costs: Agencies charge exorbitant fees (sometimes 5–10 lakh taka), while the legal limit set by the government is much lower.
4. Document Fraud: Fake medical certificates, training documents, or work permits are sold at high costs.
5. Human Trafficking Routes: Many victims are smuggled illegally to countries like Libya, where they face imprisonment, torture, or even death.
4. Real-Life Examples of Victimization
· In 2017, hundreds of Bangladeshi migrants were stranded in Libya after paying huge sums to traffickers. Many were later rescued by international organizations.
· Thousands of workers in Malaysia reported being trapped in “free visa” scams, where they entered legally but were left without promised jobs.
· According to Bangladesh Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET), every year hundreds of cases of fraud and illegal recruitment are officially reported, though the real number is likely far higher.
These examples highlight the urgent need for stronger oversight and awareness.
5. The Social Impact of Migration Fraud
The consequences go far beyond individual victims.
1. Family Devastation: When someone sells land or takes huge loans for migration, fraud leaves families in financial ruin.
2. Mental Health Crisis: Many victims suffer from depression, shame, and even suicidal thoughts after losing their money.
3. Loss of Trust in Society: Communities become wary of each other, as brokers are often familiar faces.
4. National Reputation Damage: When Bangladeshi migrants enter countries illegally or overstay visas, it tarnishes Bangladesh’s international image.
6. Why Do Bangladeshis Decide Without Research?
Bangladeshis often rely more on social influence than verified information. A villager may see a neighbor build a house with remittance money and assume the same path will work for them. Research, fact-checking, or consulting official agencies is often neglected due to:
· Illiteracy and lack of digital skills
· Lack of trust in government offices
· Misbelief that “everyone pays a broker”
· Urgency to escape poverty at any cost
This herd mentality has trapped millions in cycles of fraud.
7. Possible Solutions to the Problem
7.1 Awareness Campaigns
Government, NGOs, and media should run large-scale campaigns about safe migration. Simple guides should be distributed in rural areas, explaining the official process.
7.2 Digital Verification Systems
Bangladesh has launched the BMET Smart Card and online portals for migrant workers. These should be promoted so that workers can directly verify job offers, agencies, and fees.
7.3 Regulation of Middlemen
Strict punishment should be given to illegal brokers. Licensed recruitment agencies must be held accountable for fraudulent activities.
7.4 Affordable Migration
High costs of legal migration push workers toward fraud. The government must negotiate with host countries to lower visa fees and recruitment charges.
7.5 Training and Education
Skill development programs can help migrants secure legitimate jobs abroad. Awareness sessions in villages, schools, and colleges about fraud prevention are crucial.
7.6 Strengthening Legal Framework
Victims should have easy access to legal aid. Special tribunals could be set up to resolve migration fraud cases quickly.
7.7 International Collaboration
Bangladesh should work closely with destination countries to ensure fair recruitment practices and quick action against fraudulent companies abroad.
8. The Role of Remittance in Bangladesh’s Economy
Remittances are Bangladesh’s lifeline. In 2023, Bangladeshi workers abroad sent home over $21 billion, which supports millions of households and boosts national reserves. If migration fraud continues unchecked, not only do individuals suffer but also the entire economy. Ensuring safe, legal migration is essential for sustainable development.
9. Case Studies of Successful Reform
· Philippines: Known for its structured overseas employment system, the Philippine government provides pre-departure training, regulates recruiters, and ensures workers’ rights abroad.
· Sri Lanka: Introduced migrant resource centers in rural areas where workers can get free information and legal advice.
Bangladesh can adopt similar models to protect its citizens.
10. Final Thoughts
Migration will always be part of Bangladesh’s story. It is a dream, a necessity, and a vital economic engine. However, unless steps are taken to protect vulnerable workers, millions will continue to suffer.
The solution lies in awareness, strong regulation, affordable legal migration, and international cooperation. With the right policies and education, Bangladeshis can achieve their dream of working abroad without falling into the trap of fraud.
Safe migration is not just about protecting individuals—it is about safeguarding families, communities, and the future of Bangladesh.
References (Source Links):
1. Bangladesh Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET)
2. International Organization for Migration (IOM) - Bangladesh
3. The Daily Star - Reports on migration fraud
4. ILO Report on Labour Migration in Bangladesh
5. World Bank Data on Remittances
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