Malaysia to Recruit 10,000 Bangladeshi Workers at No Cost
The Malaysian government has agreed in principle to recruit 10,000 Bangladeshi workers completely free of cost as part of a newly resumed labor exchange process. This significant announcement was disclosed in an official press release issued by the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment on Thursday, October 15. The move marks a crucial breakthrough following the present government’s prioritized diplomatic efforts to reopen and expand vital foreign labor markets that had previously faced restrictions or closures.
Under the updated framework, Malaysian authorities have formally enlisted a total of 338 Bangladeshi entities based on eligibility criteria set by Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources. The approved list includes Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL), the country’s sole state-owned recruitment agency, alongside 25 private processing or service agencies and 312 private recruiting agencies. This expanded listing aligns with the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two nations on December 18, 2022, and follows the submission of documentation for 423 candidate agencies during the verification process.
The labor market negotiations gained strong momentum after the PM selected Malaysia for his first official foreign visit and engaged in direct discussions with his Malaysian counterpart. The Ministry noted, ‘Alongside creating new employment opportunities, workers must be protected from additional financial burdens.’ Furthermore, the government stressed the importance of reducing migration costs and maintaining institutional transparency, issuing an official directive urging all participating recruiting agencies to conduct recruitment activities in compliance with national laws while safeguarding the interests of the workers.
In terms of operational logistics, the enlisted recruiting agencies are authorized to independently identify Malaysian employers, secure job demand letters, select candidates, and execute recruitment operations. Once approved, Malaysian entities gather job demand letters, and BOESL and the 25 private service agencies will assist with administrative formalities, including securing calling visas and e-visas. Furthermore, each approved agency can obtain worker clearances from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) under its own license, supported by No Objection Certificates issued by BOESL or the service agencies.
This landmark agreement is expected to establish a far more open, fair, and participatory recruitment structure within Bangladesh’s overseas employment sector. By securing zero-cost migration for 10,000 workers alongside a structured process for hundreds of licensed agencies, both governments aim to foster a safer environment for migrant labor. The Ministry reiterated that this collaborative initiative will significantly reduce financial exploitation, ensure legal protections, and further solidify Malaysia’s position as one of Bangladesh’s most vital economic partners and labor destinations.
