Malaysia won't reconsider extending deadline for Bangladeshi workers: High commissioner

The Malaysian government won't reconsider the 31 May deadline for Bangladeshi workers' entry into the Southeast Asian country, High Commissioner to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim said today (5 June).

"We stand by the deadline because we have 15 source countries and we want to ensure uniformity in the application of this deadline," she told reporters in reply to a question after meeting with the State Minister for Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Shofiqur Rahman Choudhury at his office.

"This is not only particular to Bangladesh but it is applicable to all 15 source countries. But the state minister requested us to reconsider the deadline, and I will convey the message to Kuala Lumpur," she added.

Around 17,000 Bangladeshi workers could not fly before the deadline set by the destination country as recruiting agencies failed to provide air tickets on time. 

Regarding allegations from Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agency (Baira) that the Malaysian government issued e-visas even after the deadline, on 2 June, the high commissioner said, "We cannot entertain any allegations without proof. So far, the entire Malaysian government, including those who issue visas, has adhered strictly to the deadline."

In response to a question about workers not getting jobs in Malaysia, Haznah said, "This is something our government is looking into. I will not make any comments regarding the issue."

When asked about the discussions during the meeting, she said, "We have discussed the loopholes in the process and reassessed the need for improvements for the betterment of the workers."

State Minister Shofiqur Rahman Choudhury, however, expressed hope on the matter while talking to reporters after the meeting.

"We have requested the Malaysian government to allow entry to the remaining workers who failed to access the country even after obtaining visas. We are hopeful for a positive outcome. We are not losing hope," he added.

Probe committee formed 

Meanwhile, a six-member probe committee has been established to investigate the failure of recruiting agencies to send workers to Malaysia by the 31 May deadline.

The Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry announced the formation of the committee, which will be led by an additional secretary from the ministry. The committee will examine why workers were not sent to Malaysia despite having received approval and smart cards issued by the BMET, according to a notice issued on 5 June.

The notice also urges workers who missed the deadline to submit their details—including name, full address, mobile phone number, recruiting agency name, passport number, and a copy of the BMET smart card—via email to [email protected].

Additionally, workers can lodge their complaints and submit their information through mobile phones and WhatsApp numbers: 01924277083 and 01715228307.