Government to Launch ‘Probashi Card’ and ‘Probashi City’ for Expatriates

The government has taken initiatives to introduce a ‘Probashi Card’ with banking facilities for expatriate Bangladeshis and to develop a dedicated ‘Probashi City’, State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Nurul Haque said.

He made the remarks while responding to an urgent public-interest notice raised under Rule 71 in the Jatiya Sangsad on Wednesday (June 10) by Khairul Kabir Khokon, MP from Narsingdi-1.

Nurul Haque said expatriate workers make a significant contribution to the national economy but often do not receive the services they deserve. He noted that the government has taken several welfare measures for migrant workers since assuming office.

According to the State Minister, the proposed Probashi Card will be linked to banking payment gateways, enabling expatriates to send remittances more easily. Family members in Bangladesh will also be able to use the funds within approved limits.

He said the government is planning to establish a Probashi City to provide housing opportunities for expatriates and encourage investment. The first project is expected to begin in Purbachal, with plans for future expansion to district-level locations.

The minister also announced plans to build an international-standard specialized hospital for expatriates on land owned by the Wage Earners Welfare Board in Gulshan.

Highlighting welfare support, Nurul Haque said that between May 2025 and April 2026, a total of 5,225 beneficiaries received Tk 162.5 crore in education assistance for the meritorious children of expatriate workers. Additional support has been provided through disability allowances, insurance claims, compensation for returnee workers, and transportation and burial assistance for deceased workers.

He added that around 250,000 returnee migrants have received training and support to help them secure employment and reintegrate into the workforce. The government is also working to create overseas employment opportunities by utilizing their skills.

Addressing long-standing concerns over airport services, the minister said expatriate welfare centers have been strengthened and their services expanded beyond Dhaka to Sylhet and Chattogram.

To provide legal support for migrant workers facing abuse or unfair dismissal abroad, agreements have been signed with law firms in 10 countries. Safe homes for female workers are also operating in Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, as well as Muscat in Oman.

For immediate assistance, expatriates can contact the toll-free domestic helpline 16135 or the overseas support number +8809610102030.

The minister said the government is focusing on expanding employment opportunities beyond the Middle East. A dedicated Japan Cell has been established to increase access to the Japanese labor market, while Bangladeshi missions abroad have been instructed to explore opportunities in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

Regarding the reopening of the Malaysian labor market, Nurul Haque said the Prime Minister has directed authorities to ensure a transparent process free from syndicates. Under the existing memorandum of understanding, the Malaysian government makes the final selection of recruiting agencies.

He also said the government plans to introduce a grading system for recruiting agencies. Although nearly 3,000 agencies currently hold licenses, only 400 to 500 are expected to meet standards under stricter evaluation.

The government remains committed to improving governance in the migration sector, preventing fraud, and protecting the rights, dignity, and safety of Bangladeshi workers abroad through coordinated efforts involving all relevant agencies.