Malaysia’s labour market to open soon, hopes expatriate welfare minister

National

Dhaka Magazine Desk

Published: Thursday, 03 September 2026

The government is working to reopen Malaysia’s labour market for Bangladeshi workers. Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury expressed hope that the path to sending workers to the country will be eased very soon.

In response to a written question from ruling party lawmaker Md. Mostafizur Rahman Babu in the Jatiya Sangsad on Thursday, he said entry of new Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia has been suspended since 31 May 2024. Diplomatic and bilateral initiatives have been taken to reopen the labour market.

The minister said letters were sent to Malaysia’s Human Resources Minister and Home Minister on 24 June to take necessary measures to reopen the labour market. Discussions were also held with high-level representatives of the country.

Meanwhile, the minister said workers are being sent to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Singapore, Portugal, South Korea, Japan and other countries to create new employment opportunities. He also said Qatar has expressed interest in recruiting electricians, plumbers, air-conditioning technicians and welders.

Emphasis is also being placed on skill and language training to increase employment abroad. Various initiatives are being implemented, including a project to train one lakh drivers for employment at home and abroad.