Medical tests for Malaysia-bound workers to begin on Oct 31

Medical examinations for Bangladeshi workers seeking employment in Malaysia will begin on October 31 at authorized medical centres.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, medical tests conducted before October 31 would not be accepted and would not be allowed for immigration clearance.

A list of authorized medical centres will be published on the ministry's website soon.

Centres may be removed from or added to the list based on compliance with official instructions and their capacity to provide the required services.

The ministry has warned that no medical centre or recruiting agency may conduct or arrange medical examinations without official instructions and approval from the ministry.

It said reports had reached the ministry that some brokers and unscrupulous recruiting agencies were attempting to collect passports and money from workers by offering unauthorized medical examinations.

Workers have been urged not to respond to such offers or hand over their passports or money before verifying the authorization of the relevant medical centre or agency.

Until further notice, recruiting agencies applying for clearance from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) must submit the relevant documents, along with VDR visa papers, for medical examinations at authorized centres.

The ministry warned that medical centres and recruiting agencies violating the instructions would face legal action under existing laws and regulations.

Possible penalties include suspension of medical centre operations, suspension of overseas recruitment activities by the relevant agencies and cancellation of ministry approval.

Workers have been asked to report unauthorized medical examinations or related activities, along with supporting evidence, to secretary@probashi.gov.bd.

The ministry said monitoring would continue to prevent irregularities and protect the safety and interests of migrant workers.