Malaysia opens labour doors to all agencies

Malaysia approved all qualified Bangladeshi recruitment agencies to join its worker selection program, potentially expanding labor exports from Dhaka. The government previously restricted participation to select agencies while granting wider access to firms from competing nations.

Agencies must demonstrate 5 years of licensed operations and records showing that 3,000 workers were sent abroad to 3 destination countries within 5 years. Applicants need licenses from Bangladeshi authorities, conduct certificates and clean histories without trafficking or exploitation allegations.

Qualified firms must maintain offices totaling 10,000 square feet for 3 consecutive years and operate training centers with lodging and technical instruction. Each application requires five employer recommendation letters and proof of compliance with Malaysian recruitment laws.

Bangladesh plans to submit all agencies meeting the standards after Malaysia committed to uniform criteria applied to India, Nepal, Pakistan and Myanmar. The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare set a deadline of November 7 for agencies to submit documentation.