Dhaka emphasizes unregulated migrant concerns with Kuala Lumpur, as expressed by Shafiqul Alam
Bangladesh and Malaysia are actively engaging in discussions aimed at improving the welfare of undocumented or irregular Bangladeshi migrants in Malaysia. The focus of these talks is on reforming recruitment processes and enhancing worker protections.
Bangladesh has requested steps for the regularization of irregular or undocumented Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia, and Malaysian officials have agreed to provide these workers with equal social security benefits as Malaysian workers. This includes the ability for them to lodge complaints in the Bangla language.
Both countries are committed to making the recruitment system more transparent, fair, and less burdensome for workers and employers. This is in response to past issues such as syndicates charging workers for nonexistent jobs, which have led many to be stranded illegally. These talks are part of a broader effort to restart recruitment after Malaysia's freeze since mid-2024 and to protect the welfare of Bangladeshi workers currently in Malaysia and those seeking jobs there.
High-level talks involve meetings between Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Malaysian leaders, including Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Ongoing official and delegation-level discussions are emphasizing worker rights safeguards, reform of syndication issues, and social security equalization.
The dialogue reflects a mutual commitment to improve conditions for Bangladeshi migrants, regularize undocumented workers, and rebuild a safer, corruption-free labor recruitment framework. Bangladesh, with a zero-tolerance stance against human trafficking, is raising the issue of undocumented or irregular Bangladeshi migrants with Malaysia’s highest authorities.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim considers Bangladesh an important partner, with Bangladeshi workers playing a key role in the development of both nations. The Chief Adviser's Press Secretary has stated that Malaysia has responded well and remains serious about migration welfare.
During his three-day official visit, Yunus urged Malaysia to continue welcoming Bangladeshi workers. Many Bangladeshi workers return home after gaining experience in Malaysia, starting businesses, and creating economic opportunities. Remittances sent home by these workers sustain their families, pay for children’s education, and improve living standards.
The strong people-to-people connection forged by migrant workers between Bangladesh and Malaysia was highlighted by Prof Yunus. He thanked Malaysia for hosting many Bangladeshi workers and expressed hope for the door to remain open and expand.
While negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Malaysia are expected to begin soon, no new fact was explicitly stated about these negotiations. Similarly, Malaysia's engagement with Bangladesh on the Rohingya crisis was not explicitly mentioned in the discussions.
However, Malaysia has committed to remaining engaged with Bangladesh on international platforms to help find a resolution to the Rohingya crisis. The discussions between Bangladesh and Malaysia about migrant issues are deep and sincere, with 23 organizations expressing concern over impunity for Malaysian labour market syndicates.
Efforts are underway to address all migration-related challenges, acknowledging the long-term structural issues in migration management. The talks between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim were described as "very successful and fruitful."
- The dialogue between Bangladesh and Malaysia regarding the welfare of Bangladeshi migrants also includes discussions about equating social security benefits for undocumented workers with those of general Malaysian workers, which includes the ability to lodge complaints in the Bangla language.
- The talks between Bangladesh and Malaysia are not only focused on improving conditions for Bangladeshi migrants and regularizing undocumented workers, but also on addressing political issues such as the long-term structural challenges in migration management, including the impunity for Malaysian labour market syndicates.
