STAFF CORRESPONDENT
The ten conditions imposed on recruiting agencies sending Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia must be withdrawn, demanded Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (Baira) Sammilito Samonnoy Front yesterday.
They also called for restoring the previous rule for sending workers to Saudi Arabia, which allowed up to 24 visas to be approved for exit clearance without verification.
Additionally, they demanded withdrawal of what they termed a “false case” filed against Baira’s former joint secretary Fakhrul Islam, along with punishment for whoever filed it.
These demands were made at a press conference at the Maulana Akram Khan Hall of the National Press Club yesterday morning.
MAH Selim, former president of Baira, read out the written statement at the briefing.
There have long been allegations of irregularities, corruption and high migration costs caused by syndicates in the Malaysian labour market, said Selim.
“Even though there has been a political change, some advisers have continued unprofessional behaviour in diplomatic affairs,” he said, adding that this is influencing unreasonable decisions regarding the labour market.
He said the ten conditions set by the Malaysian government for selecting recruiting agencies are not realistic.
“These conditions are part of a plan by syndicates to finalise only their preferred agencies. Even a small country like Nepal has rejected these conditions. Therefore, Bangladesh should also be able to do the same,” he added.
He also said the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare has ordered applications to begin using Malaysia’s ten new conditions without discussing the matter with stakeholders.
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The ten conditions include requirements such as a 10,000-square-foot office, remaining at the same address for three years, proof of sending at least 3,000 workers, and having a training centre.