State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Shafiqur Rahman Chowdhury has said that the government has applied for allowing workers who could not go to Malaysia even after getting visas.
He hoped Malaysia would consider the application.
The minister made the remarks after a meeting with Malaysian High Commissioner in Dhaka Haznah Mohd Hashim at his secretariat office in the capital on Wednesday.
The Malaysian High Commissioner in Dhaka has assured that he will inform the government of his country to consider the matter of applying for permission of Bangladeshi workers.The state minister said the last date of the agreement signed with Malaysia in 2021 was May 31. About 17,000 visas were issued during that period. An application has been made to the Malaysian government through the High Commissioner of Malaysia to allow the visa holders.
Regarding the new date extension, the state minister said, “Bangladesh sincerely believes that Malaysia is a friendly country of Bangladesh. Cordial relations between the two countries will be further strengthened. I am confident that Malaysia will consider this application. ’
Meanwhile, the government yesterday (June 4) asked the workers who could not go to Malaysia by May 31 after getting visas through a public notice. Of these, those who have BMET cards should be with the Ministry of Information.
Shafiqur Rahman Chowdhury said the ministry has formed a six-member committee to investigate the matter. Action will be taken against the guilty.
Replying to a question about what will happen to many workers who did not get BMET clearance, the state minister said, “Our ministry will consider those who have applied to go to Malaysia, contacted various recruiting agencies and those who have prepared to go through agents, even those who did not get visas.” Work is also underway on how to compensate them. Arrangements will be made to compensate those who have been affected by going to Malaysia.
Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. Khairul Alam, Nur Md. Mahbubul Haque, Joint Secretary Md. Abu Raihan Miah and senior officials of the ministry were present.