BCSM Calls for Syndicate-Free Recruitment as Malaysia Reopens Its Labor Market to Bangladeshi Workers
May 09, 2025
Bangladesh Civil Society for Migrants (BCSM) urges the government to reopen Malaysia’s labor market without syndicates, ensuring migrant workers’ rights and fair recruitment practices.
As Malaysia prepares to reopen its labor market to Bangladeshi workers after nearly a year-long pause, the Bangladesh Civil Society for Migrants (BCSM) has strongly called for a syndicate-free recruitment process to safeguard workers’ rights and ensure transparency.
The appeal came during a consultative meeting on the Malaysian labor market, organized by BCSM at a Dhaka hotel on Thursday (May 8). The event gathered representatives from civil society, migration experts, and policymakers to discuss how Bangladesh can restore fair labor migration practices while protecting the interests of its overseas workforce.
BCSM Co-Chair Syed Saiful Haque emphasized that Malaysia remains one of the most important destinations for Bangladeshi migrant workers. “The Malaysian labor market is reopening after being closed for almost a year. Many workers are eager to return, but this must happen in a way that protects their dignity, rights, and financial security,” he said.
Haque added that the advisor of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment will soon visit Malaysia to discuss the new recruitment process, and BCSM hopes this visit will prioritize workers’ welfare over vested interests.
“We urge the government to ensure that the agreement between Bangladesh and Malaysia reflects transparency and accountability — without syndicates that exploit migrant workers,” he stated.
BCSM, a national alliance of 23 organizations working with migrant workers, plays a crucial role in voicing civil society’s perspectives on migration governance, fair recruitment, and the welfare of overseas Bangladeshis. The network has long advocated for ethical recruitment practices and improved monitoring mechanisms to eliminate corruption and middlemen from the migration process.
Speakers at the meeting highlighted that past syndicate-based recruitment models have led to higher migration costs, worker exploitation, and loss of public trust in the system. They stressed that a transparent, competitive, and regulated recruitment process would not only protect workers but also strengthen Bangladesh’s reputation as a reliable labor-sending country.
As the government prepares for the reopening of the Malaysia-Bangladesh labor market corridor, BCSM urged all stakeholders — including the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare, recruiting agencies, and international partners — to collaborate toward a rights-based migration framework that benefits both workers and employers.
The discussion concluded with a unified message:
✅ Keep the process open and free from syndicates
✅ Ensure low-cost, fair recruitment
✅ Prioritize worker safety, welfare, and transparency
BCSM reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside the government and international organizations to make migration safe, fair, and beneficial for all Bangladeshi workers.