Malaysia to recruit 10,000 Bangladeshi workers at no upfront cost

Malaysia is set to resume recruitment of Bangladeshi workers following an agreement to bring 10,000 labourers into the country at zero cost to the workers themselves, according to Bangladesh's Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment. The zero-cost recruitment initiative aims to ease the financial burden typically borne by migrant workers during the placement process. This arrangement represents a departure from standard practice and is expected to facilitate smoother labour migration between the two countries. The move comes as Malaysia seeks to address labour shortages in various sectors while Bangladesh looks to expand employment opportunities for its workforce abroad. Details regarding the timeline for reopening the labour market and the sectors that will prioritise recruitment remain subject to further coordination between the two governments. The initiative underscores both nations' commitment to strengthening bilateral labour cooperation and improving conditions for migrant workers. Bangladesh, which has a significant diaspora in Malaysia, views the agreement as a positive development for workers seeking overseas employment opportunities.