Expatriate Welfare and Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Saturday said that the government has been working to send the stranded Bangladeshi migrants, who failed to travel to Malaysia within May 31 this year despite getting all valid documents, to the country within a very short time.
At the same time, the government is working to reopen the closed manpower market of Malaysia, ensuring equal migrants sending facilities for all valid recruiting agencies and increasing the wages of Bangladeshi migrants working in the country.
He made the disclosure while addressing media after a Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC) signing ceremony at the Bijoy 71 Hall of the Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry at Eskaton in Dhaka.
The MOC was signed between the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) under the Human Resources Ministry of Malaysia and Wage Earners Welfare Board (WEWB) under the Expatriate Welfare Ministry of Bangladesh to ensure the protection and welfare of the foreign workers working in Malaysia.
Wage Earners Welfare Board Director General Hamidur Rahman and PERKESO Director General Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed signed the MOC on behalf of their respective countries.
Under the MOC, the Social Security Organization (PERKESO) registered expatriates from Bangladesh working in the country will get medical benefit, temporary disability benefit, permanent disability benefit, dependents disability benefit, funeral expenses support, constant attendance allowance, and rehabilitation facilities from the employers.
Terming the MOC as a milestone for ensuring the protection and welfare of the foreign workers in Malaysia, Asif Nazrul said, "Contribution of the expatriates is important in the country's socio-economic development. Bangladeshi expatriates represent the country when they stay abroad. Everyone represents the flag of Bangladesh. They are playing a vital role in the country's economy."
"So, their contributions must be evaluated duly and it is our responsibility to ensure education and protection to their families," he added.
Among others, Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Secretary Md Ruhul Amin was also present on the occasion.
