In collaboraton with the ministry, DataSense has prepared the initial design for new welfare products for the migrant workers of Bangladesh.
Project timeline: April 2022 – June 2022
Partners:
- Ministry of Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment (MoEWOE)
Project objective:
The objective of this initiative by the Bangladesh government, under the Ministry of Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment (MoEWOE), is to improve and expand the welfare system for Bangladeshi migrant workers and their families. This is achieved by developing and launching new welfare products that align with the priorities outlined in the Eighth Five Year Plan, ensuring enhanced social protection and financial security throughout the migrant worker’s lifecycle, from their time abroad to their return and retirement.
Project outcome: Development of Four New Welfare Products
- Health Insurance for Migrant Workers and Their Families: A new insurance scheme covering healthcare needs for migrant workers in destination countries, during leave, and post-return, including their families.
- Mobile App for Digital Financial Services: A digital platform facilitating access to financial services for migrant workers while abroad.
- Entrepreneurship Loan for Reintegration: A dedicated loan facility combined with training for returning migrant workers seeking to establish businesses.
- Contributory Social Pension Scheme: A new mechanism to ensure financial security for migrant workers and their families post-retirement.
Operationalization of at least Two Products by December 2022: The MoEWOE committed to launching a minimum of two of the proposed products by International Migration Day in December 2022.
Enhanced Welfare System under MoEWOE Auspices: The project contributes to the overall improvement and expansion of the existing welfare framework, building upon the foundations of the Wage Earners’ Welfare Board and Probashi Kallyan Bank.
Alignment with Eighth Five Year Plan Targets: The new welfare products will directly contribute to achieving the social protection and well-being targets outlined in the Eighth Five Year Plan.
Locations the project served:
The project is designed to serve Bangladeshi migrant workers and their families. This implies:
- Bangladesh (Country of Origin): For families of migrant workers, returning migrants, and administrative support.
- Countries of Destination (Globally): For migrant workers during their employment abroad, specifically where Bangladeshi missions host Labour Welfare Wings (currently 29, with plans for 21 more). The health insurance product, for instance, explicitly covers migrant workers “during their stay in country of destinations.”
Impact:
The implementation of these new welfare products is anticipated to have the following significant impacts:
- Enhanced Social Protection and Well-being for Migrant Workers: By providing comprehensive health insurance, accessible digital financial services, reintegration support, and a social pension scheme, the project directly addresses critical vulnerabilities and improves the overall quality of life for migrant workers and their families.
- Reduced Financial Burden and Increased Security: Health insurance will alleviate the financial strain of medical expenses abroad and at home, while the social pension scheme will provide long-term financial security, mitigating precarity for returning and retired migrants.
- Improved Access to Financial Services and Economic Inclusion: The mobile app for digital financial services will broaden access to banking and financial tools for migrant workers in destination countries, fostering greater financial inclusion.
- Facilitated Sustainable Reintegration: Entrepreneurship loans coupled with training will empower returning migrant workers to establish their own businesses, enabling them to reintegrate productively into the Bangladeshi economy and contribute to local development.
- Strengthened Government Commitment to Migrant Welfare: The proactive development and launch of these new products demonstrate the Bangladesh government’s commitment to its constitutional obligation of caring for migrant workers, reinforcing their value to national economic prosperity.
- Leveraged Digitalization for Welfare Delivery: The integration of digital health service providers and digital financial services aligns with national digitalization goals and offers efficient, scalable means of delivering welfare benefits.
Read the full report here: 20222707_Final Report_New Welfare Products_MOEWOE
