Malaysia Agrees in Principle to Recruit 10,000 Bangladeshi Workers Free of Charge
Bangladesh’s government has announced a new initiative to facilitate the recruitment of 10,000 Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia without recruitment costs, with Malaysian authorities agreeing in principle to the proposal. Malaysia has also agreed to list 338 Bangladeshi recruiting agencies to support the hiring process.
The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment announced the development in a press release on Thursday, October 15, 2026, describing Malaysia as one of Bangladesh’s most important overseas labor markets.
The 338 agencies include Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL), the country’s only government-owned recruiting agency; 25 private processing or service agencies; and 312 recruiting agencies. The listed agencies will be able to identify employers in Malaysia, collect job demand letters, select workers in Bangladesh and coordinate recruitment activities.
BOESL and the 25 processing or service agencies will assist with administrative procedures, including calling visas and e-visas. Approved recruiting agencies will also be able to obtain clearance for workers from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) under their respective licenses, subject to applicable requirements.
According to the ministry, the agency-selection process stems from a memorandum of understanding signed between Bangladesh and Malaysia on December 18, 2022. During the initial screening process, Bangladesh submitted a list of 423 recruiting agencies to Malaysian authorities. Following subsequent discussions, Malaysia agreed to list 338 agencies based on its Human Resources Ministry’s eligibility criteria.
The government said the initiative aims to reopen and expand overseas employment opportunities, reduce migration costs and improve transparency in recruitment. It has urged recruiting agencies to comply with Bangladeshi law and protect workers’ interests throughout the process.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh and Malaysia are working to finalize the list of authorized medical centers for health examinations required for Malaysian employment. A joint review will determine the approved facilities. Representatives from Malaysia’s health, human resources and home affairs ministries are expected to visit Bangladesh to inspect and assess medical centers under the revised guidelines.
The ministry said recruitment activities would proceed through authorized agencies and approved medical centers. It also emphasized that no single medical center would be given exclusive authority to conduct health examinations.
Although Malaysia has agreed in principle to the recruitment of 10,000 workers without recruitment costs, the announcement does not constitute confirmation that applications have opened or that all recruitment arrangements have been finalized. Prospective workers are advised to wait for official instructions and verify agency authorization before making payments or commitments.
