Bangladesh and Malaysia are set to hold an advisory-level meeting on May 15 to discuss the possible reopening of Malaysia’s labour market for Bangladeshi workers—a move welcomed by recruitment agencies and stakeholders. Ahead of the talks, Expatriates’ Welfare Adviser Asif Nazrul and Senior Secretary Dr. Neamat Ullah Bhuiyan will travel to Malaysia on May 14 to lead negotiations.
The discussions are expected to focus on aligning labour recruitment practices with the laws and regulations of both countries. Deputy Secretary Md Sarwar Alam stated that while Bangladesh is optimistic about a positive outcome, the government will listen to Malaysia’s requirements as a receiving country and present its case accordingly. A Joint Working Group meeting is also scheduled for May 21 in Dhaka to further review the outcomes and potentially finalize the recruitment of up to 1.2 million workers over the next six years.
Members of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) expressed gratitude for the government’s efforts to revive the labour market talks, urging unity within the recruitment sector and calling for an end to internal conflicts and legal disputes that have harmed the country’s international reputation.
Stakeholders noted that despite a lucrative opportunity—given that average wages in Malaysia are significantly higher than in many Middle Eastern countries—ongoing controversies involving agency syndicates and internal lawsuits are creating barriers. They warned that such conflicts risk damaging Bangladesh’s credibility in the eyes of receiving countries.
BAIRA leaders emphasized that while not all of the 2,000 licensed agencies can be accommodated, the focus must remain on worker welfare, low-cost legal migration, and effective regulation, rather than on agency rivalries. They urged all parties to support the interim government’s efforts and prioritize national interest over individual gain.
The final outcome of the Malaysia visit and the Joint Working Group meeting later this month may determine the future of thousands of Bangladeshi workers seeking overseas employment and the country’s remittance-driven economy.
