MD ABBAS

While Bangladesh wants to send the remaining aspirant migrant workers to Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur has said it will not extend the deadline for the entry of foreign workers.

Despite receiving clearance, around 17,000 aspiring migrants who failed to fly to Malaysia within the deadline are uncertain whether they will be able to go there.

“We stand by the deadline because we have 15 source countries, and we want to ensure uniformity in the application of this deadline,” said Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim.

She said this applies to all 15 source countries and is not specific to Bangladesh.

“The state minister requested us to reconsider the deadline, and I will convey the message to Kuala Lumpur,” she informed.

Regarding allegations from Bangladesh Association for International Recruiting Agencies (Baira) that the Malaysian government issued e-visas on June 2 even after the deadline, Hashim 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, she said, “This is something our government is looking into. I will not make any comments regarding it.”

Shofiqur Rahman Choudhury, state minister for expatriates’ welfare and overseas employment, said they requested Malaysia to reconsider the deadline and are actively working on it.

“The investigation committee will determine why the workers could not go to Malaysia. For those who have BMET cards or e-visas, arrangements will be made to ensure they receive compensation,” he said.

Most workers, who could not travel

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