Government Prioritises Reopening of Malaysia, Oman, and Bahrain Labour Markets

The government has intensified efforts to reopen key overseas labour markets, including Malaysia, Oman, and Bahrain, which remain closed to low-skilled Bangladeshi workers. Authorities have set a target to resume at least one or two of these markets within the next three months, alongside measures to reduce migration costs and crack down on fraudulent recruiting agencies.

Currently, Malaysia, Oman, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates are among the major destinations where recruitment of Bangladeshi workers has been suspended or severely restricted, significantly impacting overseas employment opportunities in recent months.

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque has directed officials to take urgent steps to reopen these closed markets. State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Nurul Haque Nur, shared the government’s action plan during a media briefing at the Expatriates’ Welfare Building in Eskaton on Tuesday afternoon (February 24).

The minister outlined three immediate priorities: fixing migration costs, suspending licences of recruiting agencies involved in fraudulent activities, and reopening labour markets that have remained closed or restricted for extended periods.

“We will take initiatives to reopen at least one or two closed labour markets within the next three months,” he stated. Preparations are also underway to determine and implement standardised migration costs for several countries to protect prospective migrants from financial exploitation.

Crackdown on Fraudulent Agencies

During the briefing with members of the Bangladesh Journalists Association, the state minister revealed that approximately 3,000 recruiting agencies currently hold licences in the country, though not all operate ethically. Many agencies collect undue money through sub-agents, forcing migrants to pay several times more than the fixed costs.

Such fraudulent practices are victimising ordinary people, causing financial ruin to families, and tarnishing Bangladesh’s global image. The minister warned that agencies found guilty of fraud or irregularities would face licence suspension without hesitation.

Efforts to Reopen Closed Markets

Regarding Malaysia, the government has already submitted a list of recruiting agencies and companies capable of fulfilling the ten conditions set by Malaysian authorities. The matter is being closely monitored, with diplomatic and administrative efforts continuing to secure a relaxation of conditions and eventual market reopening.

Discussions have also been held regarding the expansion of labour wings at Bangladeshi embassies in various countries to better support migrant workers and streamline recruitment processes.

New Initiatives for Expatriate Welfare

Discussions are underway to resume the arrangement of bringing back the bodies of workers who die abroad at government expense. Additionally, two new freezer vans have been added to transport bodies from Dhaka to various districts across the country, ensuring dignified repatriation of deceased workers to their families.

Loan Facilities and Cost Reduction Plans

The government is considering increasing the current loan facility of up to Tk 300,000 provided through Expatriates’ Welfare Bank to returning workers. The minister noted that migration costs currently range from Tk 500,000 to Tk 1,000,000 in many cases, which does not align with international standards. Bringing these costs down to a tolerable and realistic level remains a key government objective.

Sources: The Business Standard and The Dhaka Post