Dhaka, May 16 (V7N) — Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Advisor Professor Dr. Asif Nazrul has announced that the list of 7,926 Bangladeshi workers set to go to Malaysia has been finalized. He credited the progress to the personal guidance of Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus and recent high-level discussions with Malaysian ministers.

In a video message posted on his verified Facebook account at 4:30 PM Thursday (May 15), Dr. Asif Nazrul provided a detailed update on the developments surrounding the reopening of the Malaysian labor market for Bangladeshi workers.

He revealed that formal meetings had been held with Malaysia’s Home Minister and Human Resources Minister, along with an informal session with the Commerce Minister, just two days ago. “These meetings have yielded several important outcomes,” he said.

Dr. Nazrul highlighted that Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, a personal friend of Dr. Muhammad Yunus, had visited Bangladesh last year and promised to accommodate the nearly 17,000 workers who were left behind during the last recruitment phase. “Based on that promise, intense discussions have been ongoing, and Malaysia has agreed to accept workers in batches,” he said.

First Batch Approved

The list of 7,926 workers has now been finalized as the first batch to go to Malaysia. Dr. Nazrul said, “They will be given the opportunity to work in Malaysia very soon, and the necessary processes have already started.”

Future Recruitment and Priority for Bangladesh

Looking ahead, Dr. Nazrul mentioned that Malaysian authorities have indicated plans to recruit 100,000 to 150,000 foreign workers in the near future. “The Human Resources Minister assured us that Bangladesh will be given the highest priority in this recruitment drive,” he added.

Request to Open Recruiting Agent Access

Dr. Nazrul stated that they have requested Malaysian authorities to allow broader access to recruiting agents in Bangladesh so that more agencies can facilitate worker deployment. “They have taken this proposal seriously and promised to consider it carefully,” he said.

Visa and Legalization Issues Addressed

In another breakthrough, Dr. Nazrul said he raised the issue of Bangladeshi workers not receiving multiple-entry visas, unlike workers from other countries. “The Malaysian Interior Minister immediately instructed officials to take action on this matter,” he noted.

He also brought up the issue of legalizing undocumented Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia. “They promised to consider a separate solution for this,” he said.

Expanding Job Categories

Dr. Nazrul mentioned discussions about recruiting Bangladeshis for skilled roles such as security guards, caregivers, and nurses. “The Malaysian side showed interest in this, and talks on these matters will continue,” he said.

Chief Advisor and Special Envoy Actively Involved

He emphasized that Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus is personally involved in the process. “He’s attending meetings and giving direct instructions,” he said, adding that the Chief Advisor’s Special Envoy, Lutfe Siddiqui, is also contributing significantly.

“Our Expatriate Welfare Ministry has been working tirelessly for months to advance these issues,” Dr. Nazrul said, concluding with a hopeful note: “We believe positive outcomes for Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia are coming very soon. We seek your prayers and support.”

This development marks a significant step in reviving one of Bangladesh’s most important overseas labor markets, with the potential to boost remittance earnings and create new employment opportunities abroad.

END/MSS/AJ