Malaysia is considered to be the second largest labor destination country for Bangladesh. After 1977 Bangladesh migrant workers have been going to Malaysia on employment visa in different categories. However, there were disputes over payment of salary, documentation, renewal of visa, work permits sending remittance etc. The two governments have tried to mitigate the problems a number of times. In 2009 these problems become frequent and acquired and as a result the employment opportunity for Bangladeshis was closed.

In order for addressing the issues, the two governments sign a new agreement on G-to-G basis for migrant workers’ employment to Malaysia in 2011. Under the purview of the new agreement the government should only send 8500 Bangladeshis on employment visa until 2016. Though the government could minimize migration cost to sum extend, it however caused havoc in the broader sense. The main goal of the government; more migrants employment with minimize cost had totally failed. Moreover, during this long five years’ time human traffic in to Malaysia increased many fold, illegal immigration through sea route and migration on student visa to Malaysia took the alternative of legal migration. Mass graves were discovered in the areas of Thailand enroot Malaysia. Though the government was advocating for low cost migration, there was no infrastructure or system in hand to materialize the G-to-G system.

In order for overcoming the difficulties of G-to-G system, the two governments, after protected negotiations signed a new MOU introducing G-to-G PLUS system/formula. The Malaysian government digitalized the system with holistic approach engaging BESTINET the responsibility of processing, coordinating with the central database and implementing digitalized recruitment process. They also selected 10 BRAs in Bangladesh side. Soon after signing of the agreement, in around two years significant number of 278000 Bangladeshi migrated to Malaysia with proper employment visa. The Malaysian government also setup NEFC (Malaysian Employment Facilitation Center) office in Dhaka to coordinate among the agencies, employees and Malaysian high commission in Dhaka and also with the respected government department and employers in Malaysia. The whole process was carried out smoothly and there were hardly any complaints in the G-to-G PLUS system, neither Malaysian side nor in Bangladesh. The significant feature of the migration process was that;

• G-to-G PLUS concept was agreed upon by the two governments
• G-to-G PLUS system was in included by the two governments as the G-to-G system was not successful
• Malaysian government selected the 10 BRAs
• After the G-to-G PLUS system was introduced and put into operation illegal human trafficking toward Malaysia came to an end.
• The cost of migration in work visa reduced noticeably in other countries like Gulf Cooperation council countries.
• Bangladesh was officially declared as source country for the first time in Malaysia.
• As the total system was digitalized the entire procedure was transparent and no fraudulent practice was observed.

As Bangladesh needs to generate employment, we have to adhere to the pulse of the Malaysian government and employers.

As a matter of fact from the very beginning of this new and practical program a number of agencies at home were always against all these good deeds and put their highest efforts to jeopardize the process. They campaigned in all levels including media and the governments. At one stage the Malaysian government stopped the operation in 2018 and initiated an enquiry.

After thorough investigation the Malaysian minister of human resources of Malaysia Mr. M Kulasegaran informed the parliament that the complaints brought against BRAs and BESTINET were baseless. He also elaborated on the issue saying that he himself was in favor of conducting the investigation. After finding out the report he was sanguine that the allegations were totally incorrect. Thus the same government that put a ban on the G-to-G PLUS program, finally cleared BESTINET and the system from all kinds of complaints.

After closure of G-to-G PLUS program the two governments were whole heartedly tried to find out a new program. With the active initiatives of both the governments and fruitful facilitation/persuasion by Dato Seri Amin bin Abdul Nor, a new MOU was signed on 19th December, 2021. As of now Malaysian government opened up employment opportunities neighboring countries like Nepal, Indonesia with the limited number of Agencies and associate Agencies. They have already opened up the central server for approving demand letter in agriculture sector beginning from 28th January and all other sectors from 15th February 2022. Under the purview of new/current MOU, Malaysian government has decided that;

• The total employment of digitalized with the established online system.
• Biometric medical system, passport, work permit, visa, security clearance etc. would be controlled a coordinate centrally.
• MEFC would have its branch office in Dhaka carry out the functions of FWCMS and the whole system local office would be managed by BESTINET.
• There would be limited number of 25 agencies, this time they will accept 250 more associate agencies.
• Malaysian government has selected a number of 34 medical center for conducting medical examination approved and integrated in the central server and linked with all stake holders and service providers.

According to the new MOU signed on 19th December 2021, Malaysia has made all necessary arrangements to accept Bangladeshi workers/employees and their intention has been found sincere and honest. Malaysia has also entered into similar agreements/MOU with other countries. In case Bangladesh delays implementing the objectives of the MOU, Malaysia may look for other source countries. Now our government side has to respond positively in our national interest.

BDST: 1701 HRS, FEB 19, 2022