Failed Malaysia-bound workers demand priority in fresh recruitment

Workers who were unable to migrate to Malaysia in 2024 despite completing the required formalities staged a demonstration in Dhaka on Sunday, demanding that they be prioritised in the upcoming recruitment process.

Several hundred aspiring migrants gathered in front of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment on Eskaton Garden Road, holding placards and chanting slogans.

They called on the government to ensure that those left behind during the previous recruitment drive get the first opportunity to travel to Malaysia when the labour market reopens.

Official figures show that 16,970 Bangladeshi workers could not leave for Malaysia before the 31 May 2024 deadline, although they had valid visas and emigration clearances.

While several hundred of the affected workers have subsequently managed to migrate, thousands remain stranded, protesters said.

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The demonstration comes as Bangladesh and Malaysia have recently reached an understanding to resume recruitment of Bangladeshi workers, raising hopes among thousands of aspiring migrants.

Under a government initiative, Bangladesh plans to send an initial 10,000 workers to Malaysia without charging them migration costs, with the process expected to begin before December.

The first phase will involve the selection of 112 male workers, according to Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL) Managing Director Md Rashedul Haque.

He disclosed the plan at a recent press conference at the expatriates' welfare ministry.