Putrajaya, May 15 (V7N) — Malaysia has officially reopened its labor market to Bangladeshi workers, but with a set of strict new conditions aimed at ensuring transparency, reducing immigration costs, and protecting workers’ rights. The move comes after a year-long suspension over concerns of abuse, trafficking, and exploitation in the recruitment process.

The decision was reached during a joint meeting in Putrajaya between Expatriate Welfare Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul and Malaysia’s Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee. An agreement was signed to regulate the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers, alongside similar arrangements with India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan.

Key Conditions Imposed by Malaysia:

  • Speedy disposal of human trafficking and money laundering cases against manpower exporters.

  • Elimination of the associate agency system, which has been blamed for inflating migration costs and enabling exploitation.

  • Reduction of immigration costs to prevent trade and ensure fair treatment.

  • Ensuring safety and rights of migrant workers in Malaysia.

Officials noted that when recruiting agencies are allowed to charge high fees, it creates a commercial opportunity for abuse. By lowering immigration costs and abolishing the associate agency system, the risk of exploitation can be minimized.

A Major Opportunity for Bangladesh

Malaysia plans to recruit approximately 1.2 million foreign workers over the next few years. Bangladeshi labor experts have welcomed the move, saying it provides a significant opportunity for employment and could boost annual remittance earnings by up to $5 billion.

A general laborer’s salary in Malaysia is reportedly twice or more than in Middle Eastern countries, making it an attractive destination for migrant workers.

Positive Outlook from Diplomats and Officials

An official of the Bangladesh Embassy in Kuala Lumpur confirmed that discussions were productive, with a strong focus on low immigration costs and worker protection.

“We had fruitful discussions with the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources. The outcome was positive, and we expect the final decisions to be made during the Joint Working Committee meeting in Dhaka on May 21,” the official said.

Moving Forward

If implemented effectively, the new agreement may restore trust in the recruitment system and revive a vital labor corridor for Bangladesh. Both governments are expected to work closely to monitor implementation and ensure that the rights and well-being of workers are upheld.

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