Medical Check-Ups For Malaysia-Bound Workers Begin October 31, Previous Tests Cancelled
Health examinations for Bangladeshi workers seeking employment in Malaysia will officially commence on October 31, restricted exclusively to government-approved medical centers. The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment announced during a press briefing that medical reports completed before this date or issued by unauthorized institutions will not be accepted for Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) clearance. The ministry emphasized that the official list of approved centers will soon be published on its website, warning workers to verify the updated directory beforehand as adjustments may occur based on institutional capacity and government directives.
To prevent exploitation, the ministry issued a strong warning against brokers and dishonest recruiting agencies attempting to collect passports and money under the pretext of unauthorized medical exams. Authorities stated that unauthorized tests result in wasted resources and obstruct immigration clearance. Furthermore, agencies applying for BMET clearance must submit VDR visa documents alongside official proof that health examinations were conducted at an approved facility. Recently, surveillance led to the sealing of an unauthorized medical center in Paltan, Dhaka, after it unlawfully tested 14 workers between September 20 and 30, with officials vowing that strict monitoring will continue.
Strict legal actions will be enforced against any medical center or recruiting agency violating these directives, including the shutdown of offending medical facilities, suspension of recruitment activities, and cancellation of ministry approvals. The ministry requested anyone possessing information regarding irregularities to report them via email at secretary@probashi.gov.bd, providing the date, location, names, and supporting evidence. This renewed regulatory framework accompanies the reopening of the Malaysian labor market after a prolonged hiatus, following an announcement on October 15 that Malaysia agreed in principle to hire 10,000 Bangladeshi workers at zero migration cost.
A finalized list of 338 recruiting agencies has been approved to participate in sending workers to Malaysia under the new bilateral arrangement. However, the ministry underscored that successfully utilizing this employment opportunity requires strict adherence to all official protocols, ensuring every step from medical examinations to visas and BMET clearance is completed lawfully. Both workers and recruiting agencies are urged to strictly follow the updated guidelines to safeguard the recruitment process, protect migrant workers from financial fraud, and ensure a smooth migration experience.
