Malaysia considers 'Graduate Plus' visa for Bangladeshi students

The Malaysian government is considering the introduction of a ‘Graduate Plus’ visa for Bangladeshi students, aiming to facilitate access to the country’s labor market for international graduates and support its high-skilled workforce goals.

The proposal was discussed during a high-level meeting on Wednesday at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia between Malaysia’s Minister of Higher Education, Zambry Abdul Kadir, and Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh. The initiative could benefit thousands of Bangladeshi students currently studying in Malaysia.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Bangladesh’s Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul said, “We had a productive discussion with the Higher Education Minister. In principle, he agreed to the introduction of a Graduate Pass visa for Bangladeshi students. However, several formalities need to be completed by both sides before the policy can be implemented.”

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain was also present during the talks.

Currently, around 10,000 Bangladeshi students are enrolled in Malaysian universities. Unlike their peers from some other countries, they face restrictions in accessing employment opportunities after graduation. The proposed visa policy would allow these students to remain in Malaysia for work after completing their studies.