The Opening of the Malaysian Labor Market for Bangladeshi Workers
Published: 15 December, 2024 | Bangla Version

The Malaysian government is actively considering resuming the recruitment process for workers from all source countries, including Bangladesh. According to information from relevant policy-making levels of the Malaysian government, they prefer to recruit workers through a limited number of recruitment agencies to ensure discipline in the recruitment process, based on the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

However, it has been indicated that during this new phase of recruitment, the Malaysian government will prioritize the interests of workers over agencies. The focus will be on ensuring safe migration and reducing costs for workers.

There is significant potential for the export of a substantial number of workers to Malaysia, but some considerations are necessary from the Bangladeshi side:

• If the labor market is reopened through a limited number of agencies, the remaining agencies may create serious obstacles.

• The previously approved 100 agencies have lost interest in participating in this process due to lawsuits, anti-corruption investigations, and interventions by various organizations.

• Recruiting workers through newly listed agencies by the Malaysian government may pose significant security risks.

• It may be necessary to consult experienced individuals familiar with Malaysia’s labor market, employers, and governmental perspectives.

To safeguard national interests, practical decisions should be made to seize this opportunity. If Bangladesh fails to take advantage of this opportunity due to a lack of timely decisions, other countries, especially Nepal and Indonesia, are likely to capitalize on it.

Recommendations: 

• Prioritize the interests of workers and the opinions of the receiving country in the context of overseas manpower export.

• Ensure protection for genuine business entities/recruitment agencies from harassment by law enforcement or state agencies.

• Consider the qualifications and experience of agencies as criteria for enlistment.

• Treat Malaysia under a uniform policy framework for manpower export, similar to other countries, rather than adopting a separate approach.

• Bring associated recruiting/supplier agencies working with listed agencies under a framework of accountability.

• Take strong measures by the Ministry and BMET to implement the decisions outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).