[🇧🇩] Evolving partnership between Bangladesh and Malaysia

[Saif]

Malaysia extends repatriation programme for undocumented Bangladeshis

The Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia has announced an extension of the Migrant Repatriation Programme for undocumented Bangladeshi nationals, allowing them to return home under revised provisions set by the Malaysian government

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Malaysia extends repatriation programme for undocumented Bangladeshis

The Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia has announced an extension of the Migrant Repatriation Programme for undocumented Bangladeshi nationals, allowing them to return home under revised provisions set by the Malaysian government.

For those who registered online with Malaysian immigration to return home by the December 31, 2024 deadline but were unable to do so for various reasons, the repatriation programme has been extended until March 21, 2025, the high commission said in a notification today.

This extension applies to undocumented Bangladeshi migrants, alongside those from other relevant countries.

Previously, undocumented Bangladeshi migrants were required to pay fines to Malaysian immigration authorities based on the length of their stay in the country before availing the opportunity to return home.

Under a decision by the Malaysian government, from March 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, irregular migrants were allowed to return by paying a maximum fine of 500 Malaysian Ringgit, irrespective of their duration of stay.​

 

[Saif]

Deliver on assurances to stranded workers

Govt should work with Malaysia to fast-track their travel

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Deliver on assurances to stranded workers
Govt should work with Malaysia to fast-track their travel

Our heart goes out to the over 18,000 Bangladeshis who missed the deadline to fly to Malaysia for work around eight months ago through no fault of their own, and are still waiting to travel, despite various assurances given to them over time. It can be recalled that Malaysia reopened its labour market to Bangladeshi workers in 2022—after a four-year suspension due to recruitment irregularities—but then announced a freeze on hiring foreign workers in March 2024. This affected prospective workers from 14 countries, including Bangladesh, who were asked to enter the country by May 31. However, despite obtaining clearance from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET), completing other necessary paperwork, securing visas, and even purchasing plane tickets in some cases, thousands of Bangladeshis failed to enter Malaysia by that deadline.

The failure was primarily due to mismanagement by the previous regime and local recruiting agents. Since June, numerous promises have been made, but none have been fulfilled. To be fair to the current government, it appears to have made sincere efforts to address the grievances of these prospective migrants. However, the reality remains that these individuals have faced significant hardships to prepare for their travel. Many have incurred substantial debts—with some even selling their land—to cover travel-related expenses. As they continue to wait, some have had to take on further loans, while others are struggling to cope with mounting interest on their existing debts. The psychological toll of this prolonged uncertainty has also been immense, with many families facing anxiety about their financial stability and future. Under these circumstances, the longer they have to wait to travel to Malaysia, the more debt-ridden and vulnerable they will become.

Recently, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul assured prospective migrants that they would be sent to Malaysia in phases, starting in late March or early April. He stated that those with BMET clearance and visas would begin travelling by the end of March, while those without BMET cards but with visas would be prioritised next. He further mentioned that individuals without BMET cards or visas should reclaim their passports and funds from the recruitment agencies, with ministry support in the process if necessary.

While we are encouraged by the law adviser's assurance, it is essential that these promises translate into action without further delay and that the timeline is followed without exception. Transparency and regular updates on the progress of the phased travel plan would help rebuild trust among the affected workers. Additionally, the government should ensure strict oversight of recruiting agents and agencies to prevent similar lapses in the future.​

 

[Saif]

UNIMAS offers special scholarships to Bangladeshis

The VC invited more Bangladeshi students to get enrolled at their university taking advantage of its affordable fee structure, quality education, and eco-friendly campus

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UNIMAS offers special scholarships to Bangladeshis

The University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Sarawak has offered special scholarships to Bangladeshi students.

The UNIMAS VC Prof Ahmad Hata Bin Rasit, during an interaction with Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Md Shameem Ahsan, said that the university will consider offering special scholarship to the interested students from Bangladesh.

Shameem Ahsan participated in an interactive session organized by the UNIMAS at the University Premises on Friday.

VC Professor Ahmad Hata Bin Rasit appreciated Bangladesh for sending talented students and faculty members to UNIMAS, saying they are making valuable contributions to the university's academic credentials.

The Bangladesh envoy congratulated UNIMAS for its high ranking for its academic excellence and thanked the University for hosting Bangladeshi students and faculty members.

The university has been hosting about 200 Bangladeshi students and some faculty members.

The UNIMAS authority lauded Bangladeshi students studying at the university.

The VC invited more Bangladeshi students to get enrolled at their university taking advantage of its affordable fee structure, quality education by distinguished academia and eco-friendly campus located on the lap of nature.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh, Malaysia to begin Joint Working Group meeting tomorrow

Safe migration, overseas employment on the discussion table

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Bangladesh, Malaysia to begin Joint Working Group meeting tomorrow
Safe migration, overseas employment on the discussion table

The third Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting between Bangladesh and Malaysia, aimed at ensuring safe migration and employment, is set to begin tomorrow in Dhaka.

A 12-member delegation from the Malaysian government has already arrived in Dhaka to attend the meeting. The two-day-long meeting will be held at the InterContinental Hotel.

Confirming the development, Gazi Md Shahed Anwar, deputy secretary (Employment-3 branch) of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, told The Daily Star today that the deputy secretary-general (policy and enforcement) of Malaysia will lead the Malaysian delegation, while the senior secretary of the ministry will lead the Bangladeshi delegation during the JWG.

Sources at the ministry said the declaration may pave the way for sending Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia.

On May 14, ahead of the JWG meeting, a Bangladeshi delegation led by Asif Nazrul, adviser to the ministry, participated in a preparatory joint session with Malaysia's home and human resources ministers in Putrajaya.

The delegation also included Neamat Ullah Bhuiyan, senior secretary to the ministry, and Sarwoer Alam, its deputy secretary.

Lutfey Siddiqi, the chief adviser's envoy on international affairs, accompanied Nazrul in the meetings.

After the meeting, Asif Nazrul, in a video posted on Facebook, said Malaysia will hire 1-1.5 lakh foreign workers, and that he requested Human Resources Minister Sim to prioritise recruitment from Bangladesh.

The Malaysian minister said he would consider the matter.

Sim also reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to remain an ethical employment destination by ensuring that foreign workers have access to social protection, welfare, and skills training, in line with the principles of compassion, justice, and well-being under the Malaysia Madani framework.

Currently, as per Malaysian data, about nine lakh Bangladeshis are working in Malaysia. They include nearly 500,000 who travelled to the Southeast Asian country through 101 agencies selected by the Malaysian government for recruiting Bangladeshi workers since late 2022.​