Around 8,000 Bangladeshi workers to leave for Malaysia in first phase

Bangladesh has been in talks with the country to allow workers who missed the entry deadline

Among those who missed Malaysia's entry deadline, around 8,000 Bangladeshi workers will travel to the country in the first phase, according to the foreign ministry.

At a weekly briefing on Monday, the ministry’s spokesperson Rafiqul Alam said 7,964 workers have been identified as eligible to enter the Southeast Asian country in this phase.

However, he did not specify when these workers will be able to join their jobs.

Malaysian home ministry had set a deadline of May 31, 2024, for both new and returning foreign workers to begin their employment.

Due to limited flight availability and other factors, nearly 18,000 Bangladeshi workers were unable to meet this deadline.

Bangladesh has since urged Malaysia to allow these workers to enter.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during his October 2024 visit to Dhaka, assured the interim government of measures to facilitate their entry.

The foreign ministry spokesperson highlighted subsequent government-level initiatives between the two countries.

Rafiqul said Bangladesh high commissioner to Malaysia met the Malaysian home minister on Dec 5, 2024.

"The Malaysian minister proposed forming a joint technical group comprising representatives from Malaysia’s immigration department and the Bangladesh High Commission to facilitate the phased entry of workers under Malaysia’s reference," he added.

He said the second meeting of the joint technical group, formed under the proposal, was held on Jan 14.

"During the meeting, Bangladesh provided a list of more than 17,000 stranded workers.

Rafiqul concluded, “Malaysia verified the details with its relevant stakeholders and identified workers who were eligible for entry in the first phase.”