Bangladesh and Malaysia have agreed to reopen the Malaysian labour market for Bangladeshi workers, focusing on a transparent, ethical recruitment process and a goal of zero migration costs.
The decision followed a high-level bilateral meeting in Putrajaya on Thursday, where both nations committed to addressing recruitment barriers and ensuring safe, orderly migration.
A Bangladeshi delegation, led by Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, and Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at his office, read a statement issued Thursday.
During the meeting, Ibrahim extended his warmest congratulations to Tarique on his election as the prime minister of Bangladesh.
He praised Tarique’s long-standing struggle for democracy and the country’s continued progress, formally inviting the Bangladeshi Premier to visit Malaysia at a convenient time.
AI-based recruitment and ‘Employer Pays’ principle
In technical discussions led by Malaysia’s Minister of Human Resources Dato Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, and Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, the two sides discussed a new AI-based, technology-driven recruitment system.
Malaysia informed the delegation that this system, applicable to all source countries, aims to eliminate intermediaries and ensure employers bear the full cost of recruitment.
This initiative aligns with International Labour Organization (ILO) guidelines under the ‘Employer Pays’ principle, effectively targeting zero migration costs for workers. Bangladesh expressed its full support for this digital platform as a global initiative.
Addressing structural barriers, legal concerns
The joint press statement noted that both governments are committed to tackling structural obstacles to lower migration expenses, utilising only credible and qualified recruitment agencies. They also pledged to expedite the recruitment of workers who remain stranded despite previous processes.
Discussions also touched upon sensitive legal issues, including human trafficking.
While Malaysia emphasized the need to protect its international reputation from baseless or malicious claims, the Bangladeshi side reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, accountability, and timely justice.
Economic and educational cooperation
Beyond labour migration, the two nations explored ways to enhance bilateral trade and investment.
In the education sector, opportunities for teacher exchanges and institutional cooperation were discussed to deepen people-to-people ties. Both parties also agreed to cooperate on skill development, training, and certification to better align the labour supply with market demands.
A new chapter in bilateral ties This visit marks the first official mission to discuss the labour market since the new government took office in Bangladesh.
Advisor Mahdi Amin, who holds the rank of state minister and serves as the spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, also oversees the ministries of Education, Primary and Mass Education, Expatriates’ Welfare, and Labour and Employment.
The meetings concluded with both sides expressing satisfaction over the constructive dialogue and agreeing to maintain close ties through regular consultations. The Bangladesh delegation expressed their gratitude to the Malaysian government for their warm hospitality in Putrajaya.
