Malaysia to reopen labour market for Bangladeshis in late August

Malaysia is set to reopen its labour market for Bangladeshi workers from the last week of August, ending a prolonged suspension.

The announcement was made by Mahdi Amin, Adviser to the Prime Minister and spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, following a policy-level agreement between the two countries.

Speaking at a press conference at the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, Mahdi Amin said the government has set a realistic target for Bangladeshi workers to begin travelling to Malaysia by the end of August.

He said both countries have reached a policy-level consensus to restart labour migration through a new and modern recruitment process, allowing Bangladeshi workers to be employed across all sectors.

According to Mahdi Amin, discussions with Malaysia's Ministry of Human Resources resulted in a positive decision to recruit Bangladeshi workers in all employment sectors.

Technical preparations will begin soon, with the Bangladesh and Malaysia High Commissions jointly overseeing the implementation process.

He added that the state-owned recruitment agency BOESL (Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited) has been proposed to receive priority during the initial phase of worker recruitment.

The government's key objectives include reducing migration costs, developing a skilled workforce, and ensuring a transparent recruitment system.

Mahdi Amin also warned against brokers and fraudulent syndicates, saying the government will work with law enforcement agencies to prevent scams and protect job seekers.

He urged prospective workers to remain patient and apply only through official channels.

Regarding recruiting agencies, he said Malaysia will prepare the final list after its own verification process under the existing memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Bangladesh has also informed Malaysia that agencies involved in corruption, syndicates, or unethical practices should not be included in the new recruitment process.

Beyond labour migration, the two countries are also discussing stronger cooperation in investment, trade, technology, education, healthcare, and energy.

Talks have also been held with Malaysia's state-owned energy company Petronas on potential cooperation to help address Bangladesh's gas supply challenges.

The press conference was also attended by Labour and Employment and Expatriates' Welfare Adviser Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury, and other officials from the High Commission.