No syndicate will be allowed in Malaysia labour market: Expatriates' welfare minister
Malaysia currently allows a limited number of Bangladeshi recruiting agencies to send workers, which is widely known as a syndicate
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has said no syndicate will be allowed when Malaysia reopens its labour market for Bangladeshi workers.
"If I am still minister [when Malaysia reopens market], there will be no syndicate. There will be zero tolerance. The situation will become clear within 10 to 30 days, Inshallah," he said today (2 June) while responding to a question at a press conference at the Probashi Kallyan Bhaban.
Responding to a question on whether the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment would be freed from syndicates and corruption, increase remittance inflows, expand the pool of skilled workers and reform technical training centres, the minister said, "This is my challenge. If I cannot achieve it, I will leave. I have taken this very seriously, and this is exactly what we want to accomplish."
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Regarding the prime minister's possible visit to Malaysia, the minister said discussions are ongoing. He added that he has not yet received final information on any new memorandum of understanding (MoU) or agreement but expects progress soon.
Malaysia currently allows a limited number of Bangladeshi recruiting agencies to send workers, which is widely known as a syndicate. Recruiters say the syndicate system began in 2010 with only 10 approved agencies before expanding significantly. More recently, a syndicate of 100 agencies was accused of siphoning off thousands of crores of taka and failing to send around 18,000 workers before the May 2024 deadline.
Special cell for expatriate complaints
The ministry has formed a five-member "Complaint Resolution Cell" to address expatriates' grievances quickly.
According to an office order issued on 1 June, the cell will receive complaints through minister@probashi.gov.bd and minister.expat@gmail.com and take necessary action. The minister said expatriates will also be able to submit complaints through WhatsApp, with details to be announced later.
Applications, complaints and actions taken will be regularly reported to the minister and secretary.
Probashi Card to replace BMET card
The minister said the proposed Probashi Card will eventually replace the BMET card and serve as a single identification card for expatriates.
The card is expected to provide benefits related to remittance transfers, banking services, digital identity verification and government services. The ministry is also discussing priority access to land-related services and healthcare facilities for cardholders.
Benefits will be provided to expatriates residing legally abroad and sending remittances through formal banking channels.
Strict stance against irregularities
The minister said allegations against recruiting agencies, including cases where licence holders resume operations under different names after suspension or cancellation, will be investigated seriously.
He also pledged strict action against corruption, irregularities and abuse of power within the ministry and affiliated institutions.
State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare Nurul Haque and Secretary Mokhter Hossain were present at the press conference.
