Challenges of Bangladeshi migrant labour in Southeast Asia

Purpose Many of Bangladesh’s population participates in its development by sending remittance through migration to various Southeast Asian countries. Our present study aims to investigate the challenges encountered by Bangladeshi labour migrants in both pre and post-migration to Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based mainly on an extensive review of published research papers, government papers, policy papers, dissertations, and newspaper reports. Findings This paper reveals that migrants in Southeast Asia incur economic loss and fraud through middlemen and intermediaries. They also face harassment and wage exploitation by their employers. This study further reveals that the migrants face challenges such as having to take unhealthy and unhygienic food, living under unbearable living conditions, and struggling with access to mental and physical health services. The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated. Researchers, policymakers, and organizations involved in migration and labour issues must understand and address these challenges immediately. Originality/value Despite their crucial role, expatriates often encounter numerous challenges and hurdles every day overseas, causing disruptions to their normal lives. Due to a lack of proper initiatives from the concerned authorities of the countries of origin and the destination countries, these sufferings often intensify. To deal with the sufferings and challenges that migrants face, an ample number of studies are required. However, much to our dismay, there are very few studies on this issue, and the study is an attempt to focus on it.