Migrant workers like Rabiul Awal from Chapainawabganj face a significant hurdle in Gulf countries: the lack of Arabic language skills. Rabiul, initially earning a mere 800 Saudi riyals monthly due to language constraints, saw a stark contrast when a fellow worker with language proficiency earned 1,700 riyals for the same job.
The story of Rabiul echoes the plight of thousands who migrate annually, lacking language education and often settling for low-paying jobs. Many return home disillusioned by subpar wages. Conversely, those equipped with language training enjoy expected salaries without hassle.
According to Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training (BMET) data, over 60% of migrant workers head to Arabic-speaking Middle Eastern countries, with Saudi Arabia being the top destination. Despite Arabic being the predominant language, migrant workers receive no language training, leading to wage discrepancies and workplace challenges.
While language courses exist in urban areas, rural workers face accessibility issues. The absence of Arabic language teaching institutions exacerbates the problem, with restrictive admission criteria further hindering rural workers.
Though BMET mandates language tests for migration to certain countries and requires Arabic training for women domestic workers bound for the Middle East, the adequacy of these measures remains in question.
Salah Uddin from BMET noted efforts to reintroduce Arabic language courses nationwide, acknowledging the pressing need voiced by workers.
Migration expert Dr. Sowmit Chanda Joydip highlighted the earning gap between Bangladeshi workers and counterparts from the Philippines, India, and Sri Lanka, attributing it to language proficiency.
Professor Tanzim Uddin Khan emphasized the government’s role in providing language education opportunities to ensure workers’ preparedness for overseas employment.
As workers like Rabiul struggle for fair wages, concerted efforts are imperative to bridge the language gap and safeguard their rights in the Gulf job market.
