Coronavirus pandemic has grappled the world with its vicious arms and is affecting every sphere of life. From people’s lives to their livelihood, it has wreaked havoc everywhere. According to a report published in this daily on Thursday, around 4,38,000 Bangladeshi migrants have returned during the Covid-19 pandemic as a result of losing employment.
Reportedly, a total of Tk 700 crore has been allocated for the expatriates to help them survive; Tk 200 crore from Wage Earners' Welfare Board (WEWB) and Tk 500 crore from the government. Migrants can take loans at four percent interest rate under the special rehabilitation loan of Tk 200 crore. The interest rate for the 500 crore incentive will be nine percent for male and seven percent for female.
We hope the authorities
concerned will take holistic measures to
provide constant support to the returnee migrant workers
True willingness is needed for these time befitting measures to be implemented successfully. It is important to successfully implement the initiatives that have been taken by the government to help the returnee migrant workers. If a certain time limit could be set to let the applicant know about their loan receiving date, it would be convenient for them.
More initiatives should be taken for the welfare of the expatriates. Not just the government but non-governmental organisations should also come forward and work together prioritising the overall welfare of the expatriates.
Returnee migrant workers are passing their days under tremendous mental pressure as they do not have any regular source of income. We hope that the authorities concerned will take holistic measures to provide constant support to the them.
