The Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Nurul Islam has confirmed that Bangladesh’s government has issued a letter to Malaysia, via the high commission, seeking an explanation about the that country’s opaque labour market.
On Tuesday, the minister disclosed this at a press conference in a meeting room at the ministry concerned. The conference was organized by Reporters for Bangladeshi Migrants (RBM).
Speaking at the event, Nurul Islam said: “The labour market in Malaysia is still open for Bangladesh, because the country only mentioned systematic changes to procedures. Presently, around 30,000 workers with visas are waiting to travel to Malaysia.
“The country did not announce that they were refusing entry of Bangladeshi workers. The workers will be able to visit Malaysia under the SPPA system until August 31.”
He continued: “From September 1, 2018, Malaysia will revert to the previous system to allow foreign workers into the country. We have sent a letter to the Malaysian government via our high commission in that country.
“I am optimistic that any confusion will be cleared by tonight. I am certain that at this moment, Malaysia is still allowing Bangladeshi workers to visit the country.”
Ministry Secretary Dr Nomita Halder, Director General of Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training (BMET) Md Salim Reza, and RBM President Firoj Manna were present at the press conference—among many others.
