Rising Number of Bangladeshi Women Going to China on Family Visas Raises Need for Stronger Safeguards

The number of Bangladeshi women travelling to China through Q-1 or family-reunification visas has increased significantly in recent years. While marrying a foreign citizen and moving abroad through a legitimate family migration process is entirely lawful, the growing number of cases has highlighted the need to examine whether fraud, coercion or human trafficking networks are exploiting such legal channels.

According to the information presented, at least 4,226 Bangladeshi women obtained Q-1 or family-reunification visas to travel to China between 2020 and 2025. The number stood at just 35 in 2022, before rising to 1,016 in 2023, 1,378 in 2024 and 1,721 in 2025.

However, these figures cannot by themselves be treated as evidence of human trafficking. Marriage to a Chinese citizen or lawful travel to China is not an indication of criminal activity. Similarly, allegations involving individuals should not be used to cast suspicion on the broader Chinese community, citizens or legitimate Chinese businesses operating in Bangladesh.

At the same time, allegations have emerged from different parts of Bangladesh involving foreign marriages, intermediaries promising overseas opportunities and, in some cases, alleged abuse after women travelled abroad. Each allegation requires independent investigation and legal verification before any conclusion can be reached.

The allegations suggest that promises of a better life, financial security, comfortable accommodation and improved economic conditions for families can sometimes be used to attract potential victims. There have also been allegations involving false addresses, forged documents and questionable marriage papers.

Against this backdrop, proper verification of both parties before an international marriage is essential. Their identities, permanent addresses, marital status, professions, income and family backgrounds should be checked. It is equally important to ensure that the woman is making the decision voluntarily and understands the potential risks involved in travelling abroad.

China's economic presence in Bangladesh has also expanded considerably, with Chinese companies and investments active in infrastructure, manufacturing, power, telecommunications, technology and other sectors. Greater economic cooperation naturally means increased movement of people, financial transactions and business contacts between the two countries.

Therefore, Bangladesh needs to welcome legitimate foreign investment and business activity while maintaining effective safeguards against transnational crime. Verification of beneficial ownership, sources and destinations of funds and the identities of local intermediaries should be strengthened where necessary. Such measures should apply equally to citizens and businesses from all countries.

Bangladesh already has laws and policies aimed at combating human trafficking. Their effective implementation, along with stronger coordination among law-enforcement and regulatory agencies, remains important. Better information sharing among police, the Criminal Investigation Department, immigration authorities, local administration and financial intelligence agencies could help identify suspicious situations at an early stage.

Marriage registration offices and relevant officials should also ensure proper verification of documents. Anyone knowingly facilitating fraudulent marriages or using forged documents should face action under the law. Financial institutions and mobile financial service providers can also play a role by strengthening systems to identify suspicious transactions linked to potential trafficking networks.

At the same time, preventing trafficking should not mean treating every woman travelling abroad with suspicion. Bangladeshi women have the lawful right to travel overseas for education, employment, business, marriage or family reunification. Immigration screening should therefore focus on specific indicators of risk rather than gender or nationality.

If a Bangladeshi woman becomes a victim of trafficking, fraud or abuse in China, effective cooperation between the authorities of both countries is essential. Information sharing, joint investigations, financial tracking and, where necessary, assistance in returning victims to Bangladesh should be strengthened.

Families also have an important role to play. Before accepting an overseas marriage proposal, they should verify the prospective spouse's identity, permanent address, marital status, occupation, income and family background. They should also have clear information about the visa process, accommodation arrangements and travel plans.

The figure of 4,226 Bangladeshi women who obtained Q-1 visas for China cannot be treated as a trafficking statistic. The number of women among them who may have become victims of trafficking is not established by the information available. Nevertheless, the rapid increase in visa numbers, combined with allegations surrounding fraudulent or abusive overseas marriages, warrants closer examination.

China is an important economic partner of Bangladesh, with significant cooperation in trade, investment, technology and infrastructure. As bilateral ties deepen, greater transparency, accountability and mutual responsibility will also be necessary to protect citizens and prevent the misuse of legitimate migration channels.

The priority, therefore, should be to protect the legitimate right of Bangladeshi citizens to marry and migrate while strengthening safeguards against fraud and human trafficking. Coordinated efforts by families, authorities, law-enforcement agencies and relevant institutions in both countries can help ensure that women travelling abroad for marriage are able to do so safely and lawfully.