Climate Migrants: From Bangladesh's Shores to Gulf Slavery

Climate change is pushing many Bangladeshis to seek better lives abroad, but often leads to exploitation and abuse. A study highlights the harsh realities faced by migrants, especially women, in places like the Gulf, and calls for better safeguards and support to prevent such abuses.

Climate change is compelling numerous families in Bangladesh to send their relatives abroad, largely to Gulf states, in search of better livelihoods. Unfortunately, many of these dreams turn into nightmares of exploitation and abuse, as a recent study reveals.

The survey, conducted by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), found that nearly all Bangladeshi migrants to the Gulf face some form of exploitation, ranging from employer abuse to sexual assault and wage denial. The situation is likened to modern slavery as workers incur high debts or sell assets to afford migration costs.

Additionally, women are disproportionately affected, with over 80% of domestic workers in host households facing physical or sexual abuse. Experts urge better monitoring and support systems to protect these vulnerable communities from further exploitation.