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Bangladeshi migrant workers in Malaysia are struggling to send money home as high migration costs, low wages and hefty annual visa renewal fees leave them with little disposable income.
Abu Taher, a hotel manager in Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Bintang, said he paid Tk 800,000 to migrate from Dhaka two years ago. He earns 1,700 ringgit a month but has to pay 6,000 ringgit annually to renew his visa, besides covering food costs.
“How much can I possibly send home after meeting these expenses?” he asked.
Bangladeshi workers say migration from Bangladesh costs Tk 500,000-800,000, compared with around Tk 80,000 for workers from Nepal, although starting wages are broadly similar at about 1,700 ringgit a month.
Workers are urging the government to reduce recruitment costs and improve protection for migrants. They also want Malaysia to raise the minimum wage for migrant workers to 3,000 ringgit.
Many workers allege that Bangladesh’s embassy provides inadequate support when they face abuse, legal problems or arrest, compared with the assistance provided by some other countries’ diplomatic missions.
Most Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia are employed in palm plantations, while others work in shops, hotels and restaurants. They say excessive migration costs often force workers into debt and, in some cases, lead undocumented workers to go into hiding.
With Malaysia expected to recruit Bangladeshi workers again, prospective migrants fear recruitment costs could rise to Tk 600,000-800,000. Recruiting agencies have reportedly started collecting passports and other documents.
Enamul Haque Shamim of Al Shams Agency said agencies were discussing ways with the government to keep recruitment costs down. Fahim Overseas manager Ruhul Amin also warned that high costs could discourage workers and hurt both agencies and government revenue.
BMET Director General Jamil Ahmed said the government was working to enable workers to migrate at little or no cost.
State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur said no fixed cost had been set for Malaysia-bound workers and warned agencies against charging excessive fees.
He said agencies found violating rules could face suspension or cancellation of their licences.
