The National Level Multi-Stakeholder Consultation on “Inclusion of Migrant Women’s Rights and Safety in the Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Policy 2016”, 28 May 2025, organized by WARBE Development Foundation with support from The Asia Foundation. It was aimed to strengthen gender inclusion within Bangladesh’s migration policy framework. The consultation brought together government officials, civil society, and migration experts to review existing gaps and advocate for the integration of women migrants’ rights, welfare, and safety in national policy. Grounded in the goals of the Promoting Effective, Responsive and Inclusive Governance in Labour Migration (PERI) initiative, the project emphasized inclusive governance and evidence-based advocacy to ensure that migration reforms truly reflect the experiences and challenges of female migrant workers.
Throughout the discussion, participants identified key gaps in the 2016 policy, such as inadequate legal protection, poor reintegration support, and weak institutional accountability, and. proposed reforms including gender-specific training, female-staffed service centers, dedicated financial products, and stronger representation of women in migration governance. As for actionable recommendations, participants shared practical ideas such as setting up women-focused service centers, improving skill training programs, ensuring access to justice, and providing financial support for returnee women. The consultation underscored the need for clear implementation mechanisms, coordinated efforts across ministries, and participatory dialogue involving returnee women. The recommendations were well-documented and further got added into Labour Reform Commission’s recommendation list to the Chief Advisor, which shows hope for better implementation for migrants' welfare.