979 Bangladeshi Women Return from Saudi Arabia After Alleged Abuse, Rights Concerns Mount
A total of 979 Bangladeshi women migrant workers have reportedly returned home from Saudi Arabia over the past nine months after experiencing severe physical and psychological trauma. Reports indicate that many of the women suffered sexual abuse, including alleged rape, while working abroad. Despite the seriousness of these allegations, none has reportedly received judicial relief or legal assistance due to bilateral legal complications and institutional inaction.
From January to September 2026, a total of 1,687 Bangladeshi female migrant workers returned from various countries empty-handed, using exit permits. Saudi Arabia accounted for 58.62% of the returnees.
Human rights researchers, reviewing accounts from the women and medical reports, have raised concerns about the misuse of the Kafala sponsorship system. Under this system, some employers allegedly confiscated workers’ passports and restricted their communication with the outside world, leaving them vulnerable to prolonged abuse and confinement. Some women reportedly returned to Bangladesh while pregnant.
The findings indicate that approximately 94% of the returning domestic workers experienced systematic physical and psychological abuse, while more than 47% reportedly suffered rape. Around 82% were allegedly forced to work between 18 and 20 hours a day without adequate rest.
Women who sought refuge at the Bangladesh Embassy’s safe house in Riyadh or approached local Saudi law enforcement agencies reportedly faced further difficulties. Alleged false theft accusations by employers and discriminatory treatment by local police left some victims trapped in a cycle of detention and denial of justice.
Experts have pointed to the lack of institutional protection for Bangladeshi women employed inside private households as a major factor behind the crisis. Unlike some countries, including the Philippines and Indonesia, which have arrangements for institutional or dormitory-based employment in certain sectors, many Bangladeshi domestic workers are placed in isolated household settings with limited protection.
Weak bilateral agreements and inadequate accountability among local recruitment agencies have also been identified as factors contributing to gender-based violence against migrant workers.
Experts have recommended three urgent measures: replacing vulnerable household-based employment arrangements with safer, institution-based systems; increasing diplomatic pressure on Saudi Arabia to ensure employer accountability under international labour standards; and establishing a dedicated state-led legal mechanism to pursue justice for returning victims.
They have also called for a coordinated national action plan covering airport assistance, long-term medical treatment, psychological rehabilitation and financial security for survivors.
Reporting by Borderless for The Borderless Journal. Filed under Uncategorized · 20 Oct 2026, 10:52.
