Dreams and Realities of Expatriate Life

Hello dear friends,
I hope you all are doing well and spending a beautiful life with your loved ones. I wish you all happiness and peace.

Human dreams have no end. The desire to build a better life and do something meaningful for one’s family often drives people towards expatriate life. In Bangladesh, every single day thousands of people set out abroad in search of better fortunes. Some go to secure a brighter future, while others leave to carry the burden of their families. But not everyone succeeds. Expatriate life comes with dreams, struggles, and sometimes joy as well.

My wife’s younger brother is only 21 years old. At such a young age, he has already started dreaming of an expatriate life. Recently, he made his passport and is preparing to go to Saudi Arabia. Before going abroad, it is always wise to learn a skill or two that can help survive in a foreign land. With that in mind, he has learned tailoring and driving. These skills have given him more confidence about his future. His family is also supporting him in every possible way. A sum of 300,000 BDT has already been deposited for his migration process. I was personally present when the money was submitted, along with his elder brother. At that moment, we all carried a sense of hope—that he would be able to travel safely and build a better life overseas.

Expatriates play a huge role in Bangladesh’s economy. Currently, nearly ten million Bangladeshis are working abroad. The remittances they send home keep the economy alive and strong. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Dubai, and Qatar have become major hubs for Bangladeshi workers. The money sent back by these migrants not only supports families but also contributes to education, healthcare, housing, and even national development.

Yet, expatriate life is never easy. Language barriers, cultural differences, hard labor, and loneliness make it a tough journey. While many succeed and bring prosperity to their families, others fall victim to fraud or fail to withstand the harsh realities of migration. That is why careful planning and preparation are essential before going abroad.

Since my brother-in-law has learned driving and tailoring, I am hopeful these skills will help him survive in Saudi Arabia. Skilled workers are always valued more than unskilled laborers abroad. It is not only physical labor but also knowledge, patience, and smart work that can help an expatriate secure a better position in life.

The most important thing to remember is that expatriate life is not only about earning money—it is also a test of patience and sacrifice. Migrants live far from their families, working tirelessly to send money back home. In return, they seek nothing more than love, respect, and understanding from their families. Those who remain at home should value their sacrifices and honor their struggles.

We hope that my brother-in-law, along with all those who are setting out on their expatriate journey, will be safe, successful, and able to bring happiness and stability to their families. And when the time comes, may they return home in good health to reunite with their loved ones. True success in expatriate life is not only measured in money but also in the experiences, skills, and stories one brings back home.

The road to expatriate life is never easy, but with courage, patience, and skill—success is always possible.