Ensure transparent, syndicate-free recruitment

Ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s maiden official visit to Malaysia, the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) has called for a transparent, inclusive and syndicate-free recruitment system for Bangladeshi workers seeking jobs in the Southeast Asian country.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to leave for a two-day visit to Malaysia on Sunday at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The visit is expected to focus on reopening the Malaysian labour market for Bangladeshi workers, which has remained suspended since June 2024.

In a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister and senior officials of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, BAIRA members expressed concern over attempts by what they described as an influential syndicate to regain control over the Malaysian recruitment market. They urged government intervention to ensure a fair framework for all licensed agencies.

Signed by 69 senior BAIRA leaders, the memorandum described the visit as a key opportunity to reform one of Bangladesh's major overseas labour markets. It said a transparent and competitive system would expand employment abroad, boost remittance inflows and strengthen the economy.

Malaysia remains a major destination for Bangladeshi workers, particularly in manufacturing, construction, plantations, agriculture and services. Since reopening in 2022, hundreds of thousands have migrated to the country.

However, labour migration has frequently faced criticism over recruitment syndicates, high migration costs, irregularities in worker selection and lack of transparency, leading to periodic disruptions in manpower export.

BAIRA leaders said earlier arrangements involving limited agencies created barriers for most licensed recruiters, increasing costs and reducing competition. They argued that broader participation would improve transparency and service quality while lowering migration expenses.

The memorandum also said that Bangladesh's goal of sending 10 million workers abroad over the next five years would be difficult to achieve without inclusive participation of all licensed agencies.

BAIRA urged the Prime Minister to raise key issues with Malaysian authorities, including a digital and transparent recruitment mechanism, prevention of cartels, reduction of migration costs and equal opportunities for all licensed agencies.

The association expressed hope that the visit would help establish a sustainable and worker-friendly migration framework between Bangladesh and Malaysia.