A Malaysian delegation arrived in Dhaka on Tuesday to facilitate the deployment of nearly 17,000 Bangladeshi workers who missed Malaysia’s previous entry deadline despite completing all recruitment formalities, in a move expected to clear a long-standing migration backlog.
The visit also aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation on labour migration and streamline recruitment procedures between the two countries, officials said.
The 13-member delegation landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 2:00 am and was received by Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Ltd (BOESL) Managing Director Mohammad Rashedul Haque.
BOESL General Manager Noor Ahmed, Deputy Manager Sayeed Saleheen and officials from the Airport Welfare Desk were also present.
Malaysia has agreed to admit around 18,000 Bangladeshi workers who had secured visas and completed all required recruitment procedures but were unable to enter the country before the May 31, 2024 deadline because of delays in the deployment process.
BOESL has so far facilitated the departure of 1,005 workers. The visiting delegation will oversee the deployment of the remaining nearly 17,000 workers, including document verification, training and other pre-departure formalities, ministry officials said.
During the visit, the two sides are also expected to discuss ways to streamline recruitment procedures and strengthen bilateral cooperation in the manpower sector.
The delegation includes officials from Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs, the Immigration Department and the Construction Labour Exchange Centre Berhad (CLAB), along with a BOESL-authorised agent.
Malaysia suspended the recruitment of foreign workers in March 2024 and set May 31, 2024 as the deadline for approved workers to enter the country.
More than 18,000 Bangladeshi workers missed the deadline despite obtaining visas and completing the required formalities, leaving many stranded after paying substantial recruitment costs.
The affected workers later staged demonstrations, demanding either immediate deployment or refunds of their recruitment expenses.
Malaysia subsequently agreed to facilitate their entry, subject to verification and compliance with its recruitment requirements.
