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By Ahmadul Kobir, Kuala Lumpur: The Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur has significantly expanded its support services for Bangladeshi expatriates in Malaysia, issuing thousands of emergency travel documents, assisting hundreds of migrant workers in legal and labour disputes, and recovering nearly RM500,000 in unpaid wages and compensation during the first six months of this year.
The mission’s latest performance highlights its growing role in protecting the rights and welfare of Bangladeshi migrant workers, many of whom face legal, immigration and employment-related challenges in Malaysia, home to one of the largest Bangladeshi expatriate communities.
According to official figures released by the High Commission, 6,853 Travel Passes were issued between January and June, enabling undocumented Bangladeshis and those without valid passports to return home legally.
Among the recipients were 1,319 Bangladeshi nationals detained at immigration detention centres across Malaysia. Following identity verification and documentation by the High Commission, the detainees were able to obtain travel documents required for repatriation.
Officials said the mission is working closely with Malaysian immigration authorities to expedite the verification process and facilitate the safe return of undocumented Bangladeshi nationals.
As part of its regular consular outreach, High Commission officials also conduct visits to eight prisons and 13 immigration detention centres, providing humanitarian assistance, consular services and legal guidance to detained Bangladeshis.
The mission has also strengthened its support for families of deceased expatriates.
During the first half of the year, the High Commission arranged the repatriation of the remains of 13 Bangladeshi nationals at government expense. It also provided consular and legal assistance in repatriating another 584 deceased Bangladeshis, with the costs borne by employers, companies or family members.
Officials said the High Commission remains available around the clock to assist bereaved families and coordinate with Malaysian authorities, hospitals and airlines to complete repatriation procedures as quickly as possible.
Labour rights have remained another major focus of the mission’s activities.
Nearly 400 Bangladeshi migrant workers received legal and consular assistance during the six-month period in cases involving unpaid salaries, workplace accidents, labour disputes, immigration complications and other employment-related issues.
Through negotiations with employers, legal representatives and relevant Malaysian government agencies, the High Commission successfully recovered RM492,667 in unpaid wages, workplace accident compensation, visa-related claims, death benefits and condolence payments for Bangladeshi workers and their families.
During the first six months of the year, the Bangladesh High Commission secured a total of RM6,388,648 in compensation, unpaid wages, insurance claims, and other financial benefits for Bangladeshi expatriate workers in Malaysia. Officials attributed the recovery to sustained efforts by the mission, working in close coordination with Malaysian government agencies, employers, legal representatives, and the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO). They said the initiative reflects the mission’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Bangladeshi migrant workers and ensuring they receive their lawful entitlements.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury said protecting the welfare of expatriates remains one of the mission’s highest priorities.
“Ensuring the welfare and safety of Bangladeshi expatriates remains one of the High Commission’s top priorities. Our officers are working tirelessly to provide prompt consular services, legal assistance and necessary guidance to every Bangladeshi in need,” he said.
Minister (Labour) at the High Commission Siddiqur Rahman said the Labour Wing maintains close coordination with Malaysian authorities to safeguard the rights of Bangladeshi workers.
“Under the guidance of the High Commissioner, we maintain regular communication with the relevant Malaysian authorities to protect the rights of Bangladeshi workers. We are actively working to resolve cases involving unpaid wages, compensation and other labour-related claims as quickly as possible,” he said.
Community leaders said the High Commission’s services have become increasingly important as Malaysia has intensified enforcement of immigration laws in recent months, resulting in more undocumented foreign workers being detained.
Malaysia is one of Bangladesh’s largest overseas labour markets, with hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi workers employed in construction, manufacturing, plantations, services and other sectors. Their remittances contribute significantly to Bangladesh’s foreign exchange earnings.
Stakeholders believe initiatives such as issuing travel passes, recovering unpaid wages, providing legal assistance and facilitating the repatriation of deceased workers demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad. They also called for further strengthening of labour welfare services, legal aid and consular support to better safeguard the interests of Bangladeshi migrant workers in Malaysia.