Govt Assures Returnee Migrants of Action on Malaysian Repatriation Issues

A group of Bangladeshi returnee migrants, who faced arbitrary repatriation from Malaysia, have voiced their grievances and demands to the government. The migrants, who were working for a Malaysian company called Mediceram, were forcibly sent back to Bangladesh between January and March this year after their work permits were not renewed. They reported receiving irregular wages and sometimes not being paid at all, leading them to protest. Their pleas for fair treatment were met with repatriation, allegedly influenced by their employer.

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We have demanded that our passports that were confiscated by our former employer, Mediceram, must be returned to us. We also have been blacklisted in Malaysia and we should be relieved of it.

During a meeting with Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, the returnees presented a clear set of demands. Chief among these was the return of their passports, which were confiscated by Mediceram. They also sought to be relieved of blacklisting in Malaysia, a consequence that severely hampers their ability to seek employment abroad. Furthermore, they requested assurances of employment in Malaysia at zero cost once the Malaysian market reopens, highlighting their desperation and the financial burden they have incurred.

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We also demanded that we are provided jobs in Malaysia at zero cost when the Malaysian market is open.

The government, through Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, has assured the returnees that their concerns will be addressed. He promised that the Bangladeshi High Commission in Malaysia, along with relevant Malaysian authorities, would investigate the unpaid salaries and the blacklisting of abuse victims. Efforts will also be made to secure compensation from the involved companies. This assurance comes after a planned human chain protest in Dhaka was called off following a meeting with ministry officials, indicating a willingness from both sides to engage in dialogue.

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We have demanded that our passports that were confiscated by our former employer, Mediceram, must be returned to us. We also have been blacklisted in Malaysia and we should be relieved of it.

This incident underscores the persistent challenges faced by migrant workers, particularly concerning exploitative practices by employers and the complexities of international labor agreements. The government's commitment to investigating these issues and working towards establishing fair and transparent recruitment systems is crucial. It is vital that such assurances translate into concrete actions to prevent future exploitation and protect the rights and dignity of Bangladeshi migrant workers abroad. The involvement of organizations like the Migrant Welfare Network (MWN) in advocating for these workers is also commendable.

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We also demanded that we are provided jobs in Malaysia at zero cost when the Malaysian market is open.