The influx of Bangladeshi workers from Saudi Arabia continued unabated following raids by the Arab country against irregular foreign workers, sources said.
According to the welfare desk at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Brac, some 1,561 Bangladeshi workers were deported from Saudi Arabia in the first two weeks of this month.
Of the total, 215 workers arrived here on Wednesday night. Besides, over 21,000 workers were deported from the KSA since January.
The Gulf nation about two years ago suspended recruiting foreign workers in 42 trades, as it has taken a policy to employ local workers in these sectors. To comply with the reformed policy, it also launched a crackdown on the irregular workers.
Shahabul Islam, who hails from Tangail, said that he went to Saudi Arabia four months back with a migration cost of Tk 330,000. But the crackdown destroyed his dream as he was sent back home empty-handed.
Another victim, Harun from Gazipur district, said that he spent Tk 600,000 to go to Saudi Arabia. He worked in a construction company, but was arrested by the police when he was returning to his residence from the workplace and deported to Bangladesh.
Kamal Ahmed of Sylhet, Zahed Ali of Tangail, Imran of Gazipur, Ibrahim of Cumilla and Babul of Narsingdi had similar experiences.
The Wage Earner Welfare Board and BRAC provided emergency supports, including food and water, to the returned migrants and helped them to return their respective houses.
Shariful Islam, head of BRAC migration programme, said many of the returned workers reported that their Kafil (sponsors) did not prepare work permit, despite they paid charges for this.
When police arrested them, the sponsors refused to take their responsibility, he said.
Mr Islam urged the authorities concerned to take proper steps so that the workers do not face such troubles.
More than 2.0 million Bangladeshis are currently working in Saudi Arabia, according to officials.
