Malaysia recruitment resumes 

Bangladesh has announced the resumption of recruitment procedures for workers seeking employment in Malaysia, with Kuala Lumpur authorities recognising 338 Bangladeshi recruiting agencies and agreeing in principle to recruit 10,000 workers at zero migration cost.

The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment announced the development on Thursday, describing it as a major step towards reopening one of Bangladesh’s key overseas labour markets through a more transparent and competitive system.

*    25 pvt processing agencies remain unchanged as syndicate
*    338 recruiting agencies recognised in place of 25
*    10,000 to avail migration to Malaysia at zero-cost under BOESL

The recognised agencies comprise the state-owned Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL), 25 private processing or service agencies and 312 other recruiting agencies. Their selection followed eligibility criteria set by Malaysian authorities.

Under the arrangement, the agencies can directly contact Malaysian employers, secure job orders, select candidates and recruit workers under their respective licences, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

The government expects wider participation to curb monopolistic control, encourage competition and protect migrant workers from excessive recruitment costs.

Malaysia’s agreement in principle to recruit 10,000 workers without charging migration costs came following a special request from Bangladesh. However, the government has yet to announce a recruitment timetable, identify participating employers or specify the sectors involved.

BOESL and the 25 designated processing or service agencies will provide administrative assistance, including support for visa-related procedures and coordination with Malaysian authorities. Agencies securing job orders can obtain clearance from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) for workers recruited under their own licences.

Medical tests
The ministry said Malaysia-bound workers would be able to undergo medical examinations at approved centres, with no single centre enjoying exclusive authority.

The selection of medical centres remains a joint responsibility of Bangladesh and Malaysia under their existing memorandum of understanding (MoU). Bangladesh has sought changes to the arrangements to facilitate the reopening of the labour market.

Pending a comprehensive review, Malaysia has agreed to exclude centres linked to alleged irregularities and controversies surrounding the previous administration and permit operations through the remaining centres listed on its relevant website.

A joint delegation from Malaysia’s health, human resources and home affairs ministries is expected to visit Bangladesh to inspect medical facilities and finalise a comprehensive list.

Bangladeshi authorities will regularly monitor the listed centres. Those found violating regulations may be suspended, while additional centres could be approved after verification, the ministry said.

Background
Bangladesh and Malaysia signed an MoU on December 18, 2022, establishing the framework for recruiting Bangladeshi workers. Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources sets the eligibility criteria for participating agencies.

Bangladesh had submitted a list of 423 agencies, along with supporting documents, for Malaysian approval. The recognition of 338 agencies marks progress towards reopening the market after prolonged restrictions and negotiations over recruitment procedures.

The present government prioritised reopening overseas labour markets, particularly Malaysia, given its importance to Bangladeshi workers and the national economy. The prime minister also discussed the issue with his Malaysian counterpart during his first official foreign visit after taking office.

The ministry urged recruiting agencies to secure more job orders, create employment opportunities and comply with regulations to protect workers from excessive fees.

The proposed zero-cost recruitment of 10,000 workers will test the government's commitment to making overseas employment more affordable. However, its implementation details remain pending.

Malaysia is a major destination for Bangladeshi migrant workers, whose earnings and remittances contribute significantly to the economy. The market has repeatedly faced disruptions amid concerns over high migration costs and the influence of intermediaries.

The latest arrangement seeks to widen agency participation, improve transparency and make recruitment more competitive while safeguarding workers’ interests.