The Cost-effective Model of Labour Migration: An Analysis of Bangladeshi Low-skilled Labour Migrants in Qatar

The article evaluates the cost-effectiveness of the migration decision of Bangladeshi low-skilled labour to Qatar through the lens of cost–benefit analysis (CBA). CBA provides a systematic framework for assessing the economic trade-offs associated with migration decisions, including both direct and indirect costs and benefits. There are many costs and challenges involved in the Bangladeshi low-skilled labour migration to Qatar. This article argues that the costs and benefits associated with this migration must be assessed to justify its cost-effectiveness. This research draws on interviews and focus group discussions of male and female migrants working in Qatar for a certain period. It estimates the CBA ratio, breakeven points and net present value with sensitivity analysis from the collected data. This study reports that the low-skilled labour migration to Qatar has gradually become expensive, and the existing 2-year visa is not cost-effective. The article suggests that the use of CBA for migration decisions in migration policy-making has the potential to maximise the positive impacts of migration for both sending and receiving countries, as well as for the migrants themselves and their families.