The long wait for stranded Bangladeshi workers hoping to migrate to Malaysia may soon be over. According to Ruhul Amin, the Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Secretary, the process of sending workers to Malaysia is expected to begin by March or April. Speaking at the ministry on January 22, Ruhul Amin assured that efforts are underway to resolve the ongoing issues and ensure the workers’ migration proceeds smoothly.
“Our embassy in Kuala Lumpur is actively coordinating with Malaysian authorities to finalize the necessary arrangements,” he said. This update comes as a relief to many workers who have been waiting for months, some of whom have expressed their frustrations through protests.
The secretary revealed that significant progress has already been made. He stated that 2,500 stranded workers have successfully secured jobs in Malaysia. Additionally, about 81% of the remaining workers have received compensation from the recruiting agencies responsible for their delayed migration. “We are prioritizing these workers in the upcoming migration process,” Ruhul Amin emphasized. “Our goal is to ensure that every worker receives the support and compensation they deserve.”
Earlier in the day, groups of stranded migrant workers staged protests in Karwan Bazar and later at Probashy Kallyan Bhaban in Eskaton. Their demands included assurances of jobs, approval for manpower recruitment, and the establishment of a remittance foundation to support expatriates. Many of these workers have been waiting for months without clear updates, leading to growing frustration.
Despite earlier assurances from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the delays in the recruitment process have caused discontent among the workers. Many have also criticized the lack of adequate support from recruiting agencies, further exacerbating their concerns.
Ruhul Amin acknowledged these frustrations and reassured the workers that the government is committed to addressing their issues. “We understand the difficulties these workers are facing, and we are doing everything possible to expedite the process,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of resolving these challenges to ensure that similar delays do not occur in the future.
The collaboration between Bangladeshi and Malaysian authorities aims to streamline the migration process. Officials are optimistic that the March-April timeline will be met, allowing the stranded workers to finally begin their journey to Malaysia. This development represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenges faced by Bangladeshi migrant workers and ensuring their rights are protected.