Welfare Association of Repatriated Bangladeshi Employees (Warbe) yesterday urged the government to set up an ' immigration service centre' and 'migrant bank' through

wage earners welfare fund with a view to extending proper service to the expatriate workers.

"Although the remittances sent by the expatriate workers has been playing a vital role in our economy but Bangladesh missions abroad

don't respond to the call by the expatriates whenever they need, Warbe Vice President Mahbub Elahi said at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club yesterday.

He said most of the times the expatriate workers are subjected to harassment and denied human rights at the places of work.

"From July to November this year, expatriate workers sent about 128 crore US dollar to Bangladesh which is higher than the revenue of any other sector in Bangladesh," he added.

He urged the government to ratify the 'International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families' immediately and formulate an immigration policy in line with the convention.

The Warbe leaders also demanded exemption of travel tax for expatriate workers and demanded green channel for them to avoid harassment in the airport.