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Malaysia is expected to fully reopen its labour market for Bangladeshi workers by the last week of August, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed said on Sunday.
Speaking as the chief guest at the launch of the National Action Plan (2026–2030) in Dhaka, she said Bangladesh has made positive progress through successful and constructive discussions with the Malaysian government.
“As a result of our fruitful talks, we expect Malaysia’s labour market to be fully reopened for Bangladeshi workers by the last week of August. This is very good news for us,” she said.
The state minister said the government is working to ensure safe, orderly and regular migration while strengthening labour migration opportunities abroad.
She noted that Bangladesh remains committed to implementing the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) as one of its champion countries and acknowledged the vital contribution of migrant workers to the country’s economy.
However, she warned that many workers continue to fall victim to fraudulent recruitment agents and irregular migration, leaving them burdened with heavy debts and creating financial hardship for their families. She said the government is giving priority to reducing migration costs and making overseas employment more affordable.
Shama Obaed also said the global labour market is changing rapidly, with automation and advanced technologies becoming more common, particularly in the Middle East. As a result, demand for technically skilled and professionally trained workers is expected to grow in the coming years.
To meet that demand, she said, the government is focusing on developing a more skilled workforce.
She added that Bangladesh is modernising consular services at its embassies abroad to improve support for expatriates. A separate Migration and NRB Affairs Wing has also been established at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate migration issues and address the concerns of Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs).
According to the state minister, the newly launched five-year National Action Plan will play a key role in making Bangladesh’s migration system safer, more organised and more efficient.
The event was attended by ministers, government advisers, representatives of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and diplomats from Bangladesh and abroad.
