Govt warns against financial deals for Malaysia jobs

The Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment on Wednesday warned aspiring migrant workers and recruiting agencies against engaging in any recruitment activities for Malaysia until the government formally announces the reopening of the labour market.

In an urgent public advisory, the ministry said no individual or organisation should enter into any communication, agreement or financial transaction related to employment in Malaysia before an official notification is issued.

The advisory comes amid growing public interest following recent discussions between Bangladesh and Malaysia on resuming labour recruitment.

Earlier, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury said the government was optimistic about reopening the Malaysian labour market following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent official visit to Malaysia.

He said discussions with the Malaysian authorities had been positive and expressed hope that recruitment would resume under a transparent, fair and syndicate-free system. The outcomes of the bilateral negotiations would be announced once all procedures were finalised.

The ministry also instructed prospective workers not to undergo medical examinations or make any payments related to migration to Malaysia until the recruitment process is officially launched.

Recruiting agencies have been directed not to sign agreements with workers, collect passports, arrange medical examinations or receive any payments before the government authorises recruitment.

The ministry warned that all stakeholders must strictly follow the government's instructions to protect workers from fraud, financial losses and illegal recruitment practices.