Malaysia-bound workers scammed, stranded at Dhaka airport as deadline set to expire today
Many say they were given fake tickets by some agencies
Despite collecting up to Tk6 lakh in migration costs from aspiring migrants bound for Malaysia, the recruiting agency syndicate has been unable to arrange timely flights for thousands of workers due to mismanagement and questionable dealings.
Hundreds of these men gathered at Dhaka airport, as recruiting agencies failed to provide their tickets within the deadline set by the Malaysian government, which ended today (31 May).
According to Dhaka airport authorities, over 2,000 workers were scheduled to fly on Friday across seven flights. However, sector insiders estimated that around 10,000 workers may be left unable to reach their workplaces within the stipulated timeline.
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During a visit to the airport at 9pm tonight, it was observed that representatives of some agencies were persuading some workers to leave, promising them tickets for a future date and claiming that Malaysia would extend the deadline.
The agencies blamed the debacle on a lack of coordination between the expatriate ministry and the recruiting agencies.
Amid the situation, State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Shofiqur Rahman Choudhury told the media that they had asked the agencies for a list of people prepared to go and their travel plans.
"However, the agencies couldn't provide any information," he added.
The Malaysian labour market closed again yesterday amid the allegations of corruption, mismanagement and joblessness of workers. It was reopened in late 2021 after a four year hiatus and the government set the cost of immigration at Tk79,000.
A syndicate of 100 recruiting agencies is currently sending workers to Malaysia. According to agency sources, more than 10,000 workers out of a 5-lakh quota are yet to go to Malaysia.
Meanwhile, airfare prices on Dhaka-Malaysia routes have surged four times their normal rates, with workers now forced to pay over Tk1 lakh per ticket, compared to Tk30,000-40,000 six months ago.
Plight of the men
Monirul Islam, from Singra upazila in Natore, shared with The Business Standard his experience of arranging to work in a Malaysian restaurant.
He, along with 23 others, had paid Tk7 lakh each to an agency in Narayanganj. They were supposed to get their tickets on Friday morning but hadn't received them till 4pm.
Monirul had even sold his land and borrowed money from relatives to afford the deal, which promised a monthly salary of 1,500 Malaysian ringgit.
"If I can't go to Malaysia, I will have no choice but to die," he lamented.
"If I can't go to Malaysia, I will have no choice but to die," – Monirul Islam, Malaysia-bound worker from Natore
Many others reported receiving fake tickets from specific agencies, resulting in their removal from the airport once the fraud was detected.
Arman Shikder, also hoping to migrate, said he received a ticket at 11:30am for a flight departing in 10 minutes. However, upon arrival at the airport, he was immediately informed that the ticket was counterfeit.
The agencies also demanded additional money under various false pretences, despite the agreed-upon terms outlined in the initial contract.
Ali Hossain, another migration aspirant, said he initially signed a contract for Tk5 lakh, but the agency ultimately took about Tk7 lakh from them.
The amount included Tk70,000 for a recent medical test and an additional Tk4,000-5,000 from each person for fingerprinting.
Halim, a rickshaw driver from Narsingdi, said he paid Tk5.5 lakh, all borrowed from various associations and villagers at high interest.
"When we contact the agency, they are not responding to us properly. I borrowed all this money. What will I go home with now?" he lamented.
A Malaysia-bound passenger, who wished to remain anonymous, said they were given tickets on 27 May, but the tickets were later cancelled due to the recent cyclone. Since then, they have not received any new tickets.
Additionally, he said they were asked to pay another Tk50,000, which they could not afford. When they last contacted the agency, Shaheen Travels, they were told that ticket prices had increased and no tickets were available.
A syndicate of 100 recruiting agencies is currently sending workers to Malaysia.
"I have paid Tk5.5 lakh to the agency for going to Malaysia. I borrowed all the money from various associations and villagers at high interest. What will I go home with now?" Halim, a rickshaw driver from Narsingdi
What the agencies say
Shamim Ahmed Chowdhury Noman, proprietor of Sadia International, one of the 100 recruiting agencies forming the reported syndicate, said the Malaysian government announced the deadline two months ago.
"Like us, the employers' demand letters were received late. Additionally, our expatriate ministry has not taken any action regarding this.
The situation could have been avoided if the ministry had tracked the remaining people and asked the aviation ministry for additional flights, said Noman, also the former secretary-general of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (Baira).
Concern over workers' rights
Andy Hall, an independent migrant worker rights specialist in Kuala Lumpur, warned the Malaysian government of a "modern slavery-related" issue involving Bangladeshi workers rushing to meet the deadline.
He cited a letter from a Malaysian immigration officer stating that the deadline hasn't been extended, so those arriving tomorrow will be deported as their permits will expire.
Airlines were also advised not to board workers with these permits from Dhaka, potentially leaving 10,000 to 30,000 Bangladeshi workers stranded.
Hall urged the government to grant a one-off extension to address the workers' plight and facilitate human trafficking investigations upon their arrival.
