The Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister has announced that the migration cost for Bangladeshi workers heading to Malaysia has been fixed at Tk 154,000. Strict legal action will be taken against any recruiting agency or agent found collecting more than this fixed amount from prospective workers.

Fixed cost announcement

The minister made this announcement during an event on Thursday (November 12). He stated unequivocally that charging workers more than the government-set amount for Malaysia-bound employment is strictly prohibited. The decision is expected to protect outgoing workers from falling victim to fraudulent practices by unscrupulous agencies.

Warning of strict action

The minister further warned that if allegations of overcharging are proven, the license of the concerned recruiting agency will be cancelled, and necessary legal proceedings, including filing cases, will be initiated. He urged workers not to agree to pay more than the fixed cost and to immediately report any irregularities to the ministry or relevant authorities.

Call for worker awareness

The government has also called upon workers to remain vigilant. The minister reiterated the government's commitment to protecting the rights of expatriate workers. The cost fixation is part of an effort to make the worker recruitment process transparent and accountable for all destination countries, including Malaysia. Any institution violating this rule will have to bear the consequences.