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The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment has revoked the licences of 49 recruiting agencies that were previously involved in sending Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia, following criminal proceedings against them over alleged recruitment irregularities.
The decision was announced through a government notification issued on Sunday (July 19) and confirmed by ministry officials on Monday (July 20).
According to the notification, all licensed recruiting agencies are legally required to comply with the Overseas Employment and Migrants Act, 2013, the Overseas Employment and Migrants (Amendment) Act, 2023, and other relevant laws and regulations governing overseas recruitment.
The ministry said charge sheets have been filed and accepted by the court against the 49 agencies under several provisions of the Penal Code, 1860, including Sections 406, 420, 385, 386, 427 and 34, covering offences such as criminal breach of trust, cheating, extortion, intimidation, mischief and acts committed with common intention.
In light of the criminal proceedings, the government cancelled the agencies’ licences under Section 13 of the Overseas Employment and Migrants Act, 2013, citing public interest.
The notification was signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Rashida Akter.
Ministry sources said the agencies were among 100 recruiting firms accused of operating a syndicate that allegedly overcharged Bangladeshi workers seeking jobs in Malaysia and illegally profited from the recruitment process.
Following the investigation, charge sheets were submitted against 49 agencies, prompting the ministry to revoke their licences.
