Sending of workers to Malaysia to begin in the first week of November: State Minister Nur

Bangla Press Desk: If everything goes according to plan, the deployment of workers to Malaysia could begin as early as the first week of November, stated Nurul Haque Nur, State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment. According to preliminary discussions, the cost for a worker to travel through the state-run agency, Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL), is estimated to be between 155,000 and 160,000 BDT. Costs for deployment through private recruitment agencies will also be strictly regulated following consultations with relevant stakeholders.

The State Minister shared these government expectations and preparations while speaking to journalists on Wednesday (October 28) following a migration dialogue organized by the Witness Foundation in the capital.

Noting that medical screenings for workers bound for Malaysia are likely to commence in early November, the State Minister explained that the medical process could be completed within two to four days, potentially allowing for the first flight to depart by November 1 or within the first week of the month. He mentioned that a list of approved medical centers is being compiled based on bilateral discussions. Malaysian authorities have committed to finalizing and publishing this list by October 31; it will also be made available on the websites of the relevant ministries and departments in both countries.

Regarding the reopening of the Malaysian labor market, he highlighted that positive, high-level discussions have taken place between the two governments. Although some technical tasks remain, Dhaka is optimistic that the primary process of deploying workers will begin in November. In particular, the receipt of a list of 338 major, authorized Malaysian employers is viewed as a significant step forward for Dhaka.

Several hiring companies have already begun submitting their 'demand letters.' These are being processed through Malaysia’s Foreign Workers Centralized Management System (FWCMS) and the Bangladesh Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. However, the State Minister issued a clear warning: no demand letter will be accepted without formal attestation from the Bangladesh Embassy. He also cautioned workers to be vigilant against fraud, advising them to avoid undergoing medical screenings at any unauthorized centers not included on the official approved list. Regarding migration costs, Nurul Haque stated that one should not be misled by rumors about costs circulating through private or informal channels; the government will ultimately set the limits for these expenses. While the initial estimate for migration through BOESL (Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited) is between 155,000 and 160,000 Taka, costs associated with private recruiting agencies will also be capped under strict regulations and subject to rigorous oversight.

In response to a question about workers traveling to Malaysia at "zero cost," the State Minister clarified that traveling abroad entirely free of charge is not feasible. Expenses such as airfare, medical examinations, and service fees—as determined by government bodies like BOESL—must be covered. However, the objective is to ensure that workers can migrate at the lowest possible cost.

He further explained that, initially, workers will be sent through government initiatives via BOESL, followed by arrangements to facilitate recruitment through private agencies.

The State Minister noted that the government’s final decision and the officially determined costs for sending workers to Malaysia will be announced formally. He urged workers not to make any decisions based on cost-related information circulating through unofficial or private channels.

Bp/Sp