Migration cost to Malaysia to be cheaper: Expatriates’ welfare minister

Expatriates' Welfare Minister Imran Ahmad today said his target is to set the migration cost for sending workers to Malaysia at a level that will be viable for poor aspirant workers.

"It will be much less," he said while replying to a query regarding the high migration cost of Tk 3 to Tk 3.5 lakh that each Bangladeshi worker had to pay to have employment in the Southeast Asian country earlier.

He, however, added that his success relies on the successful signing of the memorandum of understanding on labour cooperation with Malaysia that is scheduled to take place on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur.

The minister was addressing a press conference arranged by the ministry to inform the media about its preparation regarding the International Migrants Day to be observed tomorrow.

The minister is scheduled to fly to Malaysia tomorrow night.

Referring to alleged syndication that caused the suspension of the market for Bangladeshi workers in 2018, Imran Ahmad said he was not on the side of any syndication.

"We are not allowing any system for syndication," he said, adding that a vested group was trying to taint the whole process.

Responding to a query, Expatriates' Welfare Ministry Secretary Ahmed Munirus Saleheen said once the Malaysian labour market reopens, they are hopeful to send workers from a databank prepared by the ministry.

He also said they are hopeful that the number of overseas employment in the 2021-2022 fiscal year will reach about seven to eight lakh.

Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training Director-General Shahidul Alam also addressed the press conference.

Expatriates' welfare ministry will observe the International Migrants Day-2021 nationally by arranging a programme at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the capital at 10:30 am tomorrow.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen will grace the occasion as chief guest.

Besides, district employment and manpower offices and technical training centres under the ministry will observe the day by holding separate programmes across the country.