First batch of 10,000 Bangladeshi workers to go to Malaysia at zero cost

First batch of 10,000 Bangladeshi workers to go to Malaysia at zero cost

After a prolonged suspension, the Malaysian labour market is finally being reopened for Bangladeshi workers on a conditional and transparent basis. The opportunity emerged following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to Malaysia, during which he held meetings with top leaders there.

The Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment confirmed the development in a press release on Friday, August 28.

At Bangladesh government's special request, Malaysian authorities have agreed in principle to take 10,000 workers at zero cost. The first batch of workers, whose airfares and all other migration costs will be covered, will be sent to Malaysia via special chartered flights operated by the state-owned Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL). BOESL is the country's only state-owned international manpower exporting agency under the ministry .

Under the 2022 memorandum of understanding, the sole authority for selecting recruiting agencies rests with the Malaysian government. Working within this legal framework, the current government has negotiated the best possible terms.

Following scrutiny by a high-level joint committee from Malaysia, a total of 338 recruiting agencies and sub-agencies have been authorised to send workers. The list includes 25 principal recruiting agencies and one government agency approved by the Malaysian cabinet. At Bangladesh's special request, an additional 312 agencies have been included as associates after weeding out controversial names from the interim government's previous list of 423 agencies .

The government is also working to ensure transparency in medical screening. Initially, operations will commence through 16 approved medical centres, excluding controversial facilities linked to the past regime. A full list will be finalised after a Malaysian delegation from three ministries visits Bangladesh shortly.

The ministry has emphasised ensuring overall worker safety, preventing harassment at airports, ensuring regular wages and benefits, and securing housing and medical care. A 24-hour monitoring cell and helpdesk are being set up to address any complaints promptly.

Warning against brokers and middlemen, the ministry said an official notification will be issued soon after completing pending procedures. The public has been urged not to engage in any financial transactions, medical tests or passport submissions until the ministry issues a clear directive.