Malaysia is poised to introduce a “Graduate Plus” visa scheme for Bangladeshi students, potentially opening the door for thousands to access high-skilled jobs in the country’s growing economy.
The development followed talks between Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, and Malaysian Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.
“We had productive discussions with the minister. In principle, he has agreed to issue Graduate Pass visas to Bangladeshi students in Malaysia. However, both sides need to complete certain formalities before the policy can take effect,” said Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul.
Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain was also present at the meeting.
According to the Chief Adviser’s office, around 10,000 Bangladeshis are currently enrolled in Malaysian universities. While students from other countries can already work in Malaysia after graduation, this option has so far been unavailable to Bangladeshi students.
Earlier on Wednesday, Malaysian Education Minister Fadhlina binti Sidek met Prof Yunus in Kuala Lumpur. The two discussed expanding scholarships, recognising Bangladeshi degrees in Malaysia, and broadening student and faculty exchange programmes.
Prof Yunus also urged Malaysian authorities to engage with his “Three Zero” campaign — aimed at eradicating poverty, eliminating unemployment, and reducing carbon emissions to zero.
“Unless you imagine a world without poverty, it won’t happen,” he said, calling for global cooperation to build a civilisation that is not self-destructive.
The Chief Adviser invited the Malaysian minister to visit Dhaka to strengthen education links further.
The Bangladesh delegation also included Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, and Senior Secretary on SDGs Affairs Lamiya Morshed.