Bangladesh/Malaysia
Malaysia Set to Reopen Labour Market for Bangladeshis After Two-Year Freeze: Malaysia is preparing to reopen its labour market for Bangladeshi workers after nearly two years, signaling a major breakthrough in bilateral labour cooperation, according to Mahdi Amin, Adviser on Overseas Employment.
Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat following a recent visit to Malaysia, Amin said both countries are working toward resuming recruitment under a more transparent and cost-effective framework. The delegation, which included Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, engaged in high-level discussions aimed at reopening the stalled labour market.
During the visit, Bangladeshi officials held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who acknowledged Bangladesh’s concerns and directed relevant authorities to expedite the process of resuming manpower exports.
“The goal is to ensure a transparent system where workers can migrate at a lower cost,” Amin said, emphasizing the need to eliminate irregularities that have historically affected overseas employment.
The labour market had remained closed amid concerns over recruitment practices, leaving thousands of aspiring migrant workers in limbo. Its reopening is expected to provide renewed opportunities for Bangladeshi workers seeking employment abroad.
A key highlight of the discussions was Malaysia’s plan to introduce an artificial intelligence-based recruitment platform. The proposed system aims to streamline hiring processes, improve transparency, and reduce dependence on intermediaries, potentially lowering costs for workers.
Bangladesh, in turn, reiterated its commitment to ensuring fair recruitment practices and protecting the rights of its workforce abroad. Officials stressed that any future framework must prioritize affordability and accountability.
A joint statement issued following the visit reflects a shared understanding between the two nations on improving labour migration systems. Amin described the development as a “major breakthrough,” noting that both sides have agreed on principles of transparency, efficiency, and worker welfare.
If implemented as planned, the reopening of Malaysia’s labour market could significantly boost overseas employment for Bangladeshis while setting a new benchmark for ethical and technology-driven migration systems.
