Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury has sought proposals from recruiting agencies on fixing the cost of sending workers to Malaysia, with one agency owner suggesting a range of Tk2.5 lakh to Tk3 lakh.
The proposal was made at a meeting between the minister and representatives of recruiting agencies listed with Malaysia’s Foreign Workers Management System (FWMS) at the Bijoy 71 Hall of the Expatriates’ Welfare Building on Thursday afternoon.
During the meeting, agency owners raised various challenges they face in the recruitment process. Asked about the possible cost of sending workers to Malaysia, one agency owner said they could facilitate the process for Tk2.5 lakh to Tk3 lakh, while suggesting that the amount could be increased if necessary.
In response, Ariful Haque said the proposal could help restore public confidence by reducing the financial burden on aspiring migrant workers and their families.
“We have received a specific proposal of Tk2.5 lakh to Tk3 lakh. This will reassure people across the country that they will not have to sell their land or cattle to send their sons abroad. The government will also extend support accordingly,” he said.
The recruiting agency owners also urged the government to announce the resumption of medical examinations for workers to facilitate the speedy reopening of the Malaysian labour market.
State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque urged recruiting agencies to keep their profit margins reasonable and refrain from making excessive profits.
“We understand that processing visas involves costs. You have to run offices and maintain staff, so making a profit is normal. However, it should be within a reasonable and acceptable limit, not excessive,” he said.
On determining migration costs for the Malaysian labour market, the state minister said the minister had sought the agencies’ opinions and several representatives had shared their proposals.
“We will hold an official meeting on the matter and then consider what the migration cost should be,” he added.
