Migrant workers from Bangladesh have found themselves stranded at home due to COVID-19 travel restrictions; around 20,000 to 25,000 overseas workers are facing uncertain travel plans to their destination countries. Leaders of two worker organisations - Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies and Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh demanded that the government exclude the manpower sector and international flights from the weeklong lockdowns beginning on 14th April.

In response to the call, the government excluded workers from the lockdown, allowing those with valid visas to continue with travel plans where possible on "special flights".

Initially, workers whose destinations were among five countries - Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore - were allowed to travel. While the government had initially pledged to explore the same for workers to other destinations, the suspension of flights was extended for another week, excepting just these countries, leading to reports of a "chaotic" situation whereby many workers are facing significant hikes in airfare.