Bangladesh and Malaysia have agreed to begin the process of reopening the labour market after nearly two years of closure due to allegations of widespread irregularities and corruption involving recruitment agency syndicates. The move, taken soon after the formation of the BNP-led government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, signals a new direction. However, concerns remain that the recruitment process could again fall under the control of a limited number of agencies.
In a recent meeting between delegations of the two countries in Kuala Lumpur, discussions focused on sending workers through “credible” agencies. This has raised concerns among stakeholders that the market may once again be restricted to a select group. There was also discussion about ensuring zero migration costs for workers, though many consider this difficult to implement in practice.
Government officials say the recruitment process this time will be different, with significant reforms. Malaysia is planning to introduce a technology-driven, AI-based recruitment system for workers from all source countries. The aim is to reduce the role of middlemen, lower migration costs, and ensure that employers bear all expenses.
Officials involved in migration say that if worker recruitment continues under the previous memorandum of understanding (MoU), there is a risk that the old syndicate system could re-emerge. Under that agreement, Malaysia had the authority to select recruiting agencies, which previously led to controversy.
Bangladesh’s labour market for Malaysia has remained closed since May 31, 2024, when the Malaysian government set a deadline for previously approved workers to enter the country. Since then, no new workers have been able to go despite repeated efforts to reopen the market.
Following the formation of the new government, fresh initiatives have been taken to revive this key labour destination. A bilateral meeting on labour migration was held in Putrajaya, where both sides discussed reopening the market, reducing costs, and addressing existing challenges.
According to available data, labour migration from Bangladesh to Malaysia has grown steadily over the years. A formal agreement between the two countries was signed in 1992, and the highest number of workers—over 351,000—went to Malaysia in 2023.
A joint statement issued after the meeting said both countries would work to reduce migration costs by limiting intermediaries, ensuring transparency in recruitment, and speeding up the placement of previously selected workers.
The statement also highlighted Malaysia’s plan to introduce a digital recruitment platform aligned with international labour standards, where employers would bear the full cost of recruitment. Bangladesh has expressed support for this initiative.
Both sides also discussed ongoing legal issues related to human trafficking and reiterated their commitment to ensuring accountability, due process, and the rule of law.
Officials say the government’s priority is to ensure safe, affordable and transparent migration while protecting the rights and dignity of Bangladeshi workers abroad. However, many in the sector remain cautious, warning that without structural reforms and strict oversight, past problems could resurface.
Experts suggest that a thorough review of previous agreements and stronger safeguards are necessary before fully reopening the market. Without proper preparation, they warn, the same challenges may arise again in the future.
