By Takia Islam Toma

The “Hidden Social Costs of International Migration in Bangladesh” study examines the economic benefits and less visible social consequences of international migration. It highlights that migration and remittances make important contributions to Bangladesh’s economic development by increasing household income, supporting consumption, reducing poverty, strengthening foreign exchange reserves, and facilitating investment in education and healthcare. However, the study finds that migration also creates significant challenges for migrants and their families, including occupational hazards, declining health, mental health and psychosocial difficulties, family separation, and social isolation. It further shows that migration can increase unpaid care responsibilities for women, elderly family members, and other relatives left behind, while children may experience emotional distress, reduced parental supervision, and disruptions to their education. The study also identifies the influence of health and education on migration decisions, noting that individuals with better health and higher educational attainment are generally more likely to migrate, while the migration of highly educated individuals may contribute to concerns regarding brain drain. Overall, the study emphasizes that migration should be viewed as a multidimensional development process rather than solely as a source of remittance income. It recommends a more balanced, human centered migration policy that integrates occupational health protection, mental health and psychosocial support, family-focused social protection, gender-responsive policies, and reintegration measures to ensure that international migration contributes to sustainable and inclusive development in Bangladesh