BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

COVID-19 AND BANGLADESH’S MANPOWER EXPORT: PANDEMIC INDUCED VULNERABILITIES AND POLICY OPTIONS

Author: Nahian Reza Sabriet, Mohammad Jasim Uddin

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2022v43n2a1

ABSTRACT

Export of manpower is a major source of Bangladesh’s foreign exchange earnings. It is also one of the significant aspects of its diplomatic relations. Along with several socio-economic repercussions, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the flow of manpower export. At the same time, with a huge number of returnee migrants, Bangladesh is now exposed to a double-edged concern: managing livelihood and economic stability of the non-migrant citizens; and ensuring remigration of the returnee population. In this context, this article tries to answer two relevant questions – i) What are the vulnerabilities associated with Bangladesh’s manpower export due to COVID-19 pandemic? and (ii) What are the ways to deal with the vulnerabilities? To answer these questions, this article studies the period between March 2020 and March 2021 and tries to provide policy options. It also argues that to frame the policies for COVID-19 induced vulnerabilities in manpower export, pre-existing and new challenges have to be considered simultaneously. To address probable solutions, it suggests interventions in a few areas—exploring new markets, capitalizing existing markets, capitalizing unskilled and semi-skilled jobs, opening consulates in a number of locations, and instituting legal frameworks.