Numerous stories have been reported in the media about the unspeakable sufferings and exploitations of Bangladeshi women migrant workers (WMWs) in some Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states...[ To address the abuse] some suggest imposing restrictions on sending WMWs to GCC states, others asking for more protective measures to reduce their vulnerabilities...

Research shows that restriction on migration of women workers directly curtail their employment and livelihood opportunities....Bans [ on migration] further worsen the limited migration options for women migrant workers, and they are forced to seek alternative routes to migrate which very often make them more vulnerable to exploitation, abuse and trafficking...

To reduce vulnerabilities of WMWs, close cooperation from the destination countries are also essential. For example, the visa conditions of women migrant workers, particularly domestic workers, should not be conditional upon the sponsorship of a specific employer. Strict sponsorship arrangement may excessively restrict the freedom of movement of WMWs at the destination countries, which increases their vulnerabilities. Furthermore, standardised job contracts consistent with ILO guidelines and other international legal instruments can help in providing better protection to WMWs.