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Malaysia's Labor Market Leaves Bangladeshi Workers Stranded at Airport
Closure of Malaysia’s Labor Market Leaves Bangladeshi Workers Stranded at Airport
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — Malaysia, once the fourth-largest destination for Bangladeshi workers seeking foreign employment, has closed its labor market to them as of midnight on Friday. This abrupt halt in work visas has left many Bangladeshi workers stranded at the Kuala Lumpur airport, adding to the chaos as they await clarity on their future. Source: Jugantor
From June 1 onwards, no Bangladeshi workers will be allowed to enter Malaysia. The Malaysian government has, however, indicated that this decision might be revisited in the future, depending on the evolving circumstances.
Airport Chaos and Vigilance
As a result of the sudden visa halt, numerous Bangladeshi workers who had already reached Malaysia are now stuck at the airport. They are seen waiting in various parts of the terminal, creating an unprecedented situation. Airport authorities are maintaining a constant vigil to manage the situation and ensure order.
The ban is not exclusive to Bangladesh; it includes 14 other countries. In January, Malaysia’s Cabinet approved a decision to stop accepting workers from these nations temporarily. They also agreed to renegotiate agreements with the affected countries.
Workers’ Plight and Government Response
Sabbir Ahmed (a pseudonym), who arrived in Malaysia on May 28, described his arduous journey. He had spent Tk 1,08,000 on his one-way ticket, navigating through alternative routes via Dubai, Qatar, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Indonesia to reach Kuala Lumpur. After waiting for seven hours at the airport, he finally connected with his employer.
Shamim Ahsan, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Kuala Lumpur, noted that additional flights have been arranged to bring workers to Malaysia. He reassured that most who had the necessary documents have already arrived.
Despite the halt, Ahsan emphasized that the closure is not permanent. “They are rethinking their policies for various reasons. We believe they will hire new workers once this process is complete,” he said.
Economic Impact and Labor Market Statistics
The closure is expected to significantly impact Bangladesh’s labor market. Amir Hossain, a resident of Malaysia, predicted that if the market remains closed, it could reduce the immigration of at least 100,000 workers per year, negatively affecting the domestic labor market in Bangladesh.
According to the Bangladesh Manpower Employment and Training Bureau, over 350,000 Bangladeshi workers have been employed in Malaysia in 2023 alone. The Malaysian government aims to have 15% of its workforce comprised of foreign workers by 2025. As of March 15, 2024, there were 2 million foreign workers in Malaysia.
Human Rights Concerns
Malaysia has faced criticism from various international organizations, including the United Nations, regarding the treatment of foreign workers. On March 28, UN experts highlighted human rights violations against Bangladeshi workers. They pointed to criminal gangs involved in the recruitment process, exploiting workers and trapping them in debt cycles. The recruitment process is reportedly marred by bribery, implicating officials from Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Home Affairs, as well as the Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia.
In response to these allegations, Malaysia and Bangladesh were given 60 days to address these concerns. On May 28, Malaysia’s ambassador to Geneva, Nadjirah Osman, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to protecting migrant workers’ rights and combatting criminal networks in her response to the UN.
As the situation unfolds, both countries are under international scrutiny to ensure the protection and fair treatment of migrant workers.
