Malaysia prefers limiting number of recruiting agencies: Asif Nazrul

Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Asif Nazrul has said the government remains vigilant to prevent syndicate-based exploitation as Bangladeshi workers prepare to enter the Malaysian labour market.

"While Bangladesh wants participation of all agencies, the Malaysian side prefers limiting the number of recruiting agencies," he was speaking at a press conference highlighting one year's achievements of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment.

He noted that in the past, a syndicate of around 100 Bangladeshi recruiting agencies controlled the flow of workers to Malaysia. With the market potentially reopening, manpower exporters have raised concerns about whether similar syndicate practices could reemerge. 

Currently, Bangladesh has roughly 2,500 registered recruiting agencies.

Journalists also questioned the FWCMS software linked to Amin Nur, a Bangladesh-born Malaysian known as the former syndicate mastermind, who reportedly launched a new AI solution promising "zero-hassle" worker deployment through few agencies.

Responding, Nazrul said, "Amin Nur is a Malaysian citizen who has long worked with Malaysian government entities. If Malaysia assigns him any management responsibility, the Bangladesh government cannot fully control that."

The adviser explained that Malaysia's preference for limiting the number of recruiting agencies is the root of the current debate. "While Bangladesh initially sought participation from all agencies, Malaysia favours restrictions. A limited number of agencies may be approved, but discussions are ongoing to ensure wider participation," he said.

Asif Nazrul also highlighted a demand for fairness, stating, "The Malaysian side notes that the 13 other source countries have fewer recruiting agencies than Bangladesh. We requested the same number of approvals they give those countries."

He warned that any agency found involved in irregularities could jeopardize opportunities for many Bangladeshi workers in the future. "Our goal is an organised, transparent, and fair labour migration process," he added.

Overseas Employment Platform launched

The government has launched a new Overseas Employment Platform (OEP) with the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO), aimed at providing free services to aspiring migrant workers.

While inaugurating the platform yesterday, Adviser Asif Nazrul said, "Previously, migrants had to spend around Tk750 for registration, clearance cards, and other formalities through the Probashi app. There were also allegations of irregularities in the process. With this new platform, migrant workers can now access these services online free of cost."

Sarwar Alam, former private secretary to Adviser Nazrul, said the OEP is an integrated online system that connects aspiring migrant workers, recruiting agencies, foreign employers, Bangladesh missions abroad, and the Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training (BMET). 

The platform will facilitate a wide range of services, including training and clearance, he added. 

He also noted that BMET is now issuing exit clearances directly through the digital platform. This has reduced both the time and cost of the migration process.

In addition, the government has taken administrative steps to decentralise the issuance of exit clearances through District Employment and Manpower Offices (DEMOs) across 21 major districts.