Govt Sets Migration Cost for Malaysia-Bound Workers
The government has set the migration cost for Bangladeshi workers traveling to Malaysia at BDT 154,000 this year. Additionally, the final list of approved medical centers for worker health screenings will be published next week. Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury announced this to reporters on Thursday (November 12) morning at the Prabashi Kallyan Bhaban in the capital.
The minister noted that while the official government-set migration fee is BDT 154,000, private management expenses can range between BDT 200,000 and BDT 300,000, according to various stakeholders. He added that workers would face significantly fewer hardships if they could migrate within the government-fixed cost.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL), the country’s sole state-owned recruiting agency, has initiated a scheme to send 10,000 workers to Malaysia free of charge. Under this initiative, all migration-related expenses will be borne by the Malaysian employers, with no migration fees or service charges levied on the workers.
In the first phase, recruitment is underway for 112 Bangladeshi male workers at DHL Supply Chain, a multinational firm in Malaysia. A total of 4,029 applications were received between November 6 and 8. Following an online lottery, 300 candidates, 200 for Operations Assistant and 100 for Technical Skill Worker positions were initially shortlisted.
From Thursday through November 15, a nine-member delegation from Malaysia will conduct practical tests and interviews to select the final 112 candidates. Selected workers will earn a monthly salary of MYR 1,700 (approximately BDT 52,000). Employers will also provide accommodation, primary healthcare, and transportation.
BOESL Managing Director Mohammad Rashedul Huq stated that demand letters for 568 workers have been received so far against the target of 10,000. Deployment will proceed in phases once attestation by the Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia is finalized. The agency expects to dispatch the first batch of workers before December.
He further emphasized that no financial transactions are involved in the recruitment process. Applicants have been cautioned against paying brokers or intermediaries. Strict legal action will be taken against anyone demanding funds or participating in irregularities.
Additionally, relevant sources confirmed receiving demand letters for 558 more workers across Malaysia’s tourism, manufacturing, and caregiving sectors, with recruitment plans to be rolled out in phases.
