Human Trafficking to Malaysia: Bangladeshi Workers Left Destitute After Spending Millions

Allegations have surfaced that Bangladeshi workers are being trafficked to Malaysia under the guise of job opportunities through tourist visas, leaving thousands financially ruined. Despite spending millions of taka, many workers find no employment upon arrival, face exploitation, and are forced to return to Bangladesh.

It has been reported that Malaysia’s labor market was closed on May 31 last year due to allegations of corruption and irregularities. Over a year later, the Bangladesh government has yet to reopen this market, leading to attempts by certain groups to facilitate illegal entry into Malaysia. Over the past seven months, more than 400 workers have reportedly attempted to enter Malaysia illegally under the pretext of tourist visas. Some were sent back from the airport, while others were arrested, served sentences, and then returned.

Migration experts warn that unless Malaysia’s labor market is reopened legally, this illegal influx will persist. The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment has stated that reopening the market requires complying with the conditions of a recruitment syndicate. However, they also noted that various measures are being taken to curb human trafficking. On August 11, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is scheduled to visit Malaysia to discuss labor market issues. Migration stakeholders are optimistic that this meeting could lead to the reopening of the labor market. Previously, Adviser to the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Dr. Asif Nazrul, visited Malaysia and participated in a joint working committee meeting in Dhaka, but the market remained closed due to syndicate-related conditions and other issues. Dr. Asif Nazrul commented, “The previous government signed an agreement with Malaysia stating that they would provide a list of recruiting agencies, and we would decide accordingly. This formal agreement between the two parties is what we refer to as a syndicate. To eliminate the syndicate, the agreement must be amended, which requires mutual understanding with the Malaysian government.” He further explained that if Malaysia does not agree to amend the agreement, Bangladesh has two options: either send workers through 25, 50, or 100 recruiting agencies as per Malaysia’s terms or inform Malaysia that Bangladesh will not send workers at all.