Bangladesh is set to benefit the most from Malaysia’s plan to recruit 100,000 to 150,000 foreign workers in the coming months, according to Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul. In a video message posted Thursday (May 15) after meetings with three Malaysian ministers, Nazrul confirmed that the Malaysian Human Resources Minister has assured Bangladesh will be given top priority in the recruitment drive.
Nazrul, who is leading a government delegation to Malaysia, also shared that 7,926 Bangladeshi workers—part of a larger group of 17,000 who were previously approved but could not travel—have been finalized as the first batch and will be deployed soon.
Discussions also covered proposals to hire skilled Bangladeshi workers, including nurses, caregivers, and security personnel. Nazrul noted that Malaysia has responded positively to a request to issue multiple-entry visas for Bangladeshi workers, replacing the current single-entry system. The Malaysian Home Minister has already directed officials to expedite the process.
Nazrul further requested that irregular Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia be considered for regularization, particularly those whose visa issues stemmed from employer negligence. Malaysian authorities responded that the matter would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The advisor credited the Chief Advisor’s leadership and the involvement of Special Envoy for International Affairs Lutfe Siddiqui for making these developments possible, expressing optimism that the visit will lead to meaningful opportunities for Bangladeshi workers.
