BAIRA members demand reopening of labour markets including Malaysia
Staff Correspondent
General members of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) formed a human chain in front of the Probashi Kalyan Bhaban in Eskaton Garden on Thursday, demanding the reopening of labour markets including Malaysia.
The programme was followed by the submission of a memorandum to the Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser.
Speakers at the human chain urged the government to take immediate steps to meet all the conditions set by the Malaysian authorities and reopen the labour market ‘at any cost’.In the memorandum, the BAIRA members said labour markets currently closed should be reopened giving priority to the interests of migrant workers and ensuring safe migration at low costs.‘In the greater interest of the nation and migrant workers, we pledge to fully support any government initiative to open labour markets and to follow all official procedures in recruiting workers, it reads.Speakers said BAIRA members facilitate overseas employment for over one million workers each year, contributing nearly $24 billion in remittance and playing a vital role in the country’s economy.They said Malaysia is the second-largest labour market for Bangladeshi workers after Saudi Arabia.
However, recruitment from all source countries has remained suspended since May 31, 2024, due to Malaysia’s internal policies.
They also pointed out that other labour destinations like the UAE, Oman and Qatar remain closed or allow only limited worker intake.
In this context, they demanded embassy-level reports on the reasons behind such closures and recommendations for reopening the markets.
The memorandum also noted that Malaysia has recently resumed recruitment from 14 source countries, and a final decision regarding Bangladesh is expected following the upcoming Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting scheduled for May 21.
Speakers expressed concern over attempts by a section of BAIRA, including suspended joint secretary Fakrul Islam, who allegedly oppose the reopening of the Malaysian labour market.
Despite existing legal and formal frameworks, they continue to spread allegations of human trafficking and money laundering, potentially harming bilateral efforts and delaying the market’s reopening, they said.
