Following prolonged discussions and diplomatic efforts, the Bangladesh government has announced the resumption of the process for recruiting Bangladeshi workers for Malaysia’s labour market. To ensure a transparent and orderly recruitment system, 338 recruiting agencies have been listed. In addition, at Bangladesh’s special request, a decision has been made to send 10,000 workers to Malaysia at zero cost.

The information was disclosed in a press release signed by Shariful Islam, public relations officer of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, on Thursday (October 15).

According to the release, the 338 listed entities include the government-run Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL), 25 processing agencies and 312 recruiting agencies.

The ministry said workers interested in going to Malaysia would be able to complete the recruitment process through listed and approved recruiting agencies. They will also be able to undergo medical examinations at authorised medical centres.

No single medical centre will be given exclusive authority to conduct the health examinations. The arrangement aims to ensure that workers can travel to Malaysia through an accessible and transparent process without any monopolistic control, the release said.

The ministry expressed gratitude to the prime minister for providing guidance and leadership in achieving this progress in sending workers to Malaysia. The Bangladesh government also thanked the Malaysian prime minister, the country’s Ministry of Human Resources and the relevant authorities for their cooperation and positive attitude.

The release further stated that the government, recruiting agencies and workers must work together to make the opportunity successful. The government hopes this initiative will help establish a long-term, orderly and sustainable labour market for Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia.