Malaysia is set to reopen its labour market to Bangladeshi workers through what Bangladesh authorities say will be a transparent recruitment process, following a prolonged suspension linked to allegations of corruption, syndication and irregularities under the previous regime.

The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment said the issue has gained fresh momentum through a series of high-level discussions between Bangladesh and Malaysia.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also raised the matter with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar during his first foreign visit, according to the ministry.

At Bangladesh’s request, Malaysia has agreed to recruit 10,000 Bangladeshi workers on a zero-cost basis, with the initial group expected to travel on special chartered flights operated through state-run Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL).

The workers selected for the first phase will not have to bear airfare or other migration-related expenses, the ministry said.

According to BSS, Malaysia has selected 25 Bangladeshi recruiting agencies directly and authorised a further 312 agencies to work as associate recruitment agencies.

The selection was carried out by a high-level Malaysian joint committee involving representatives from relevant ministries, the Anti-Corruption Commission and law enforcement agencies. The Bangladesh government had no role in the selection process, the ministry said.

Authorities have meanwhile urged prospective workers to remain cautious until the formal recruitment notice is published.

The ministry advised applicants not to pay anyone, undergo medical tests or submit passports before receiving an official announcement, warning that brokers and fraudulent groups could exploit the reopening process.

The move is expected to create a new channel for Bangladeshi workers seeking employment in Malaysia while placing greater emphasis on a government-supervised and cost-free recruitment process.

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