A young Bangladeshi man’s life took an unexpected turn while working in the Middle East. He had travelled abroad to support his family financially and repay personal debts. Within just one year of employment at a construction company, he began experiencing persistent fever and fatigue. Routine medical examinations, including an HIV test as part of the standard health screening, revealed a positive result.
Following the diagnosis, the host country’s health ministry informed its immigration authorities. Within days, his visa was cancelled, his work permit revoked, and he was deported without access to medical treatment or counselling. What was meant to be a year of overseas employment ended abruptly due to a single health condition.
Data from Bangladesh’s National AIDS/STD Control Programme (NASCP) highlights the prevalence of HIV among returning migrant workers. In 2025, of the 1,891 newly diagnosed HIV cases in Bangladesh, 12% were identified among returning migrant workers.
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Newly diagnosed HIV cases (2025) | 1,891 |
| Share of returning migrant workers | 12% |
| Primary risk factors | Loneliness, mental stress, limited sexual health awareness |
| Main destination countries | Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates |
Experts attribute the rising risk of HIV among migrant workers to prolonged separation from family, limited knowledge of safe sexual practices, and inadequate access to healthcare in host countries. In many Gulf nations, detection of HIV often results in immediate visa cancellation and rapid deportation, a practice criticised by human rights advocates as inhumane.
Mir, President of Brave Dimension Global, emphasises the challenges faced by affected workers: “Once a migrant worker falls ill, there is no room for treatment. Access to medication or continued employment is never considered.” Upon return, workers frequently face social stigma, loss of income, and severe psychological stress. Government support is limited, with most counselling services provided by non-governmental organisations.
Specialists recommend mandatory health education and HIV awareness programmes before departure, bilateral agreements to prevent health-based deportation, and robust rehabilitation frameworks that include employment support and mental health care upon return. Tasnim Siddiqui, Acting Executive Director of Ramru, stresses: “Ensuring the health of migrant workers is a shared responsibility of both the sending and host countries. Deportation due to any medical condition, including HIV, constitutes a breach of human rights and international norms.”
With nearly ten million Bangladeshi migrant workers, most employed in the Middle East, awareness campaigns, health education, and international cooperation are essential to reduce HIV risks and safeguard their well-being.