Malaysia-bound workers’ medical test from Oct 31

Medical examinations for Bangladeshi workers seeking employment in Malaysia will begin on October 31 at government-approved medical centres, according to an announcement of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment given on Wednesday through a press release. 

No medical tests will be allowed before the scheduled date, and examinations conducted before October 31 will not be accepted or processed for immigration clearance, according to a government notice.

The ministry stated a list of approved medical centres would be published on its website shortly. Workers have been advised to regularly check the website for updates, as some centres may be removed from the list or new ones added based on compliance with government instructions and operational capacity.

It has also warned workers against unauthorised medical examinations, saying neither medical centres nor recruiting agencies may arrange such tests without official approval.

It also said reports had reached the ministry that some brokers and unscrupulous recruiting agencies were attempting to collect passports and money from workers by offering to arrange medical examinations without authorisation.

Workers have been urged not to respond to such offers or hand over their passports or money to anyone without first verifying the relevant approval.

Under the latest instructions, recruiting agencies applying for clearance from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) must submit the relevant documents, along with visa documents for Visa with Reference (VDR), for medical examinations at approved centres until further notice.