ZCZC
BSS-38
COVID19-MIGRANTS-IOM
IOM assists returning migrants impacted by COVID-19 pandemic
DHAKA, May 21, 2020 (BSS) – The International Organization for Migration
(IOM), the United Nation’s migration agency, has provided immediate and mid-
to long-term assistance to vulnerable migrants returning from the European
Union (EU) countries.
IOM is supporting the government to plan for the return, reception, and
reintegration of a few hundred thousand migrants in 2020 from destination
countries globally, including a number from the EU, an IOM press release
said.
According to the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET), each
year, around 600,000 workers migrate from Bangladesh in search of better
livelihood opportunities abroad.
In 2019, around US$ 18 billion was remitted to Bangladesh by migrants. IOM
and partners are concerned that the predicted 22 per cent drop in remittances
to South Asia, driven by the global economic slowdown, will have adverse
consequences for migrants and remittance dependent communities in Bangladesh.
IOM, in partnership with Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC), is
focused on providing assistance to vulnerable migrants returning from EU
countries and looking to secure additional funding to assist vulnerable
migrants, particularly those returning from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
countries where there have been large-scale, sector-wide retrenchments
following the decline in oil prices.
With EU support and under the coordination of the Ministry of Expatriates’
Welfare and Overseas Employment, the IOM is assisting migrants stranded
abroad and vulnerable migrants that have returned to Bangladesh from the EU.
Support and counselling are provided to callers to hotline
(+8809610102030) set-up by IOM for migrants, promoted and accessed through
www.probashihelpline.com. Since March 2020, a total of 111,470 migrants
reached out via the website, either through social media interactions or
through app-based calls.
Dr Ahmed Munirus Saleheen, Secretary of Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare
and Overseas Employment, said: “Migrants are the frontline soldiers of our
national development. It is our priority to ensure the safety and security of
migrant workers affected by the pandemic. The ministry is involved in many
initiatives to support migrants.”
Since March 2020, 806 vulnerable migrants, returning from EU countries,
have been traced through ten EU funded reintegration service centres that
cover 64 districts.
Vulnerable migrants are identified, provided with COVID-19-related
information, and counselled on how to cope with the adverse impacts of the
pandemic, including mobility restrictions, unemployment, and growing debt.
After a needs and vulnerability assessment to identify the most
vulnerable, eligible returnees will be provided with an immediate cash grant,
long term reintegration support, skills training, and psychosocial counseling
support. The provision of tailored assistance will build the resilience of
vulnerable migrants to shock events like global health crises.
According to Rensje Teerink, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European
Union to Bangladesh, “The Coronavirus pandemic is challenging economic and
social systems globally. The European Union stands ready to help governments
address the negative impact of the pandemic – on the short, medium and long
term – in particular with the most vulnerable communities which include
migrants.”
“Through the EU-funded Prottasha project, we ensure in this new post-
Coronavirus reality, that migrants returning to Bangladesh from European
Union Member States have all the tools at their disposal to be able to
reintegrate themselves into society. Solidarity is at the heart of the
European Union. With a focus on the most vulnerable, the European Union
supports its partner countries in delivering essential services and
safeguarding livelihoods,” Teerink added.
“Hundreds of thousands of migrants are expected to return to Bangladesh
once countries relax restrictions and airlines resume flights. For many of
these migrants, it isn’t a happy homecoming as they have lost their source of
income and due to the global recession it is unlikely that they will be able
to return to work abroad until the global labour market recovers from the
impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Giorgi Gigauri, IOM Chief of Mission in
Bangladesh.
“Our concern is that the most vulnerable of these migrants will require
immediate assistance to meet their needs for food, shelter, psychosocial, and
health assistance and in the medium to long-term they will require debt
mediation assistance, and diversification of livelihoods assistance to build
their resilience and ensure sustainable reintegration,” Gigauri said.
Efforts to reach migrants within the country are ongoing, BRAC has engaged
100 staff and over 1000 community volunteers in COVID-19 awareness-raising
activities.
Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC, said, “Migrants need the right
COVID-19 related information at the right time so that they protect
themselves and rebuild. In this crisis, migrant workers are suffering
tremendously, and we need to prioritise our support for them both at home and
abroad.”
In addition to providing support to vulnerable migrants, IOM is supporting
the government to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, build capacity at points
of entry, and provide humanitarian support to Rohingyas and vulnerable
members of the host community in 18 camps and settlements in Cox’s Bazar
district.
BSS/PR/MRI/KU/2043 HRS