The Middle East is home to one of the largest Bangladeshi diasporas in the world, with millions of expatriates living and working across the region. These individuals not only contribute significantly to their host countries’ economies but also send vital remittances back to Bangladesh, supporting countless families and fueling the nation’s economic development. Let’s explore the distribution of Bangladeshi expatriates across key Middle Eastern countries and their roles in local economies.
1. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia hosts the largest population of Bangladeshi expatriates in the Middle East. According to data from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) of Bangladesh, there were approximately 1.3 million Bangladeshis residing in Saudi Arabia as of 2020. Most work in sectors such as construction, domestic services, and hospitality, contributing significantly to the kingdom’s workforce.
2. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE is another major destination for Bangladeshi migrants. The BMET reported that around 1 million Bangladeshis live in the UAE, particularly in cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. They are engaged in construction, retail, and transportation industries, playing a crucial role in the country’s rapid infrastructural growth.
3. Qatar
With Qatar’s booming construction sector, driven by preparations for global events like the FIFA World Cup, the demand for migrant labor has surged. The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment in Bangladesh recorded approximately 400,000 Bangladeshi workers in Qatar as of 2019. Most are employed in building infrastructure, hospitality, and maintenance services.
4. Kuwait
Kuwait is home to about 350,000 Bangladeshi expatriates. The Bangladesh Embassy in Kuwait highlights that many Bangladeshis work in domestic services, construction, and security sectors. Their contributions are vital to the country’s labor market, particularly for semi-skilled and unskilled roles.
5. Oman
According to data from the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Oman hosts around 680,000 Bangladeshis. Many work in industries like construction, manufacturing, and agriculture. The community has grown steadily, becoming one of the largest expatriate groups in the country.
6. Bahrain
Bahrain has an estimated 180,000 Bangladeshi residents. The community works predominantly in construction, retail, and domestic services. Official records from the Bangladesh Embassy in Bahrain reflect their active role in the country’s labor force.
7. Libya
Though not part of the Gulf, Libya also has a notable Bangladeshi presence, with over 21,000 migrants recorded as of 2022. Some use Libya as a transit point to Europe, while others work in agriculture and construction.
Economic Contributions and Challenges
The Bangladeshi diaspora in the Middle East plays a crucial role in Bangladesh’s economy, sending billions of dollars in remittances annually. According to Bangladesh Bank, remittances from the Middle East accounted for more than 60% of the total remittance inflow in 2021.
However, despite their economic contributions, Bangladeshi workers often face significant challenges. Reports from the Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) have highlighted issues such as wage theft, poor working conditions, and a lack of legal protections in some countries. Ensuring the safety and well-being of these workers remains a key priority for the Bangladeshi government.
Conclusion
The Bangladeshi presence in the Middle East reflects a story of hard work, resilience, and economic interdependence. These communities not only strengthen the labor markets of their host nations but also uplift Bangladesh’s economy through remittances. As both Bangladesh and the Middle Eastern countries continue to navigate migration policies, fostering a safer and more supportive environment for these workers will be essential for mutual growth.
