The government should maintain a curated list of agencies with proven track records in sourcing and recruiting Bangladeshi workers rather than abruptly halting their operations, said the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI). 

Its president Christina Tee said this would ensure adherence to stringent social welfare standards of foreign workers.

The government will be terminating the services of Malaysian visa application agencies that handle visa applications for Bangladeshi migrant workers.

"Moreover, the establishment of a government-to-government (G2G) agreement is imperative to establish a fair and transparent pricing mechanism, preventing agents from arbitrarily inflating fees and exploiting either the industry or the workers.

"This step is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the recruitment process and safeguarding the rights of foreign workers," she said in a statement.

Additionally, MICCI also recommended the government to grant employers the flexibility to choose between managing recruitment independently or employing agents, she said. 

She said she believed this would foster a more adaptable and efficient labour market response catering to the varying needs of different industries as well as ensure a sustainable and equitable workforce landscape.

"Just a few days ago, the government made a move to nullify unused foreign worker quota from June 1 onwards. 

"Now, another decision has been made by the Home Ministry to discontinue Malaysian visa application agencies' services in facilitating visas for Bangladeshi migrant workers. 

"Needless to say, this comes as a double blow to industries already grappling with labour shortages."

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail yesterday announced that the government would terminate the services of Malaysian visa application agencies that handle visa applications for Bangladeshi migrant workers.

He said this was because the eVisa applications could now be applied directly through the Immigration Department's MyVisa portal.

Source: New Straits Times

BDST: 1146 HRS, Mar 10, 2024
MN/SMS