The country’s manpower sector faces a rising menace from smart card frauds, negatively impacting migrant workers seeking Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training (BMET) clearance for employment abroad. Instances of financial losses and denied work opportunities abroad due to fraudulent smart cards have surged, with the fraud ring targeting workers bound for the UAE, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.
To work abroad legally, individuals must register with BMET, a process facilitated at district offices or online via the “Amiprobashi” app. Following registration, workers undergo document scrutiny, and a Smart Card is issued for clearance, a crucial step before heading abroad.
The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment investigated Smart Card frauds in 2022, revealing the issuance of false exit permits to workers going to the UAE without proper ministry employment permits. The inquiry implicated nine BMET officers, six recruiting agencies, and identified 3,978 fraudulently issued smart cards out of 6,938 in the UAE alone.
Concerns extend beyond the UAE, with fears of similar frauds occurring in other countries. Despite 2021 witnessing 29,202 individuals going to the UAE and an additional 70,203 until August 2022, a comprehensive investigation into smart card issuance in other nations is yet to be conducted.
BMET officials, acknowledging the severity of the issue, highlight challenges in tracking illegally issued smart cards. However, efforts are underway to bolster security measures and address vulnerabilities. A proposed shift of the server to the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) aims to enhance data protection and curb fraudulent activities. While BMET remains committed to rectifying the situation, the urgency to safeguard the integrity of the smart card system and protect the interests of migrant workers is paramount.
As the investigation unfolds, industry stakeholders stress the importance of swift and decisive action to restore trust in the BMET clearance process and fortify the country’s manpower sector against the detrimental impacts of smart card frauds.
