Those who received visas but were unable to go to Malaysia will receive compensation if their names are listed as affected, State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Shofiqur Rahman Choudhury said on Wednesday (5 June).
The minister made this statement in response to journalists' questions following a meeting at the Expatriate Welfare Building on Wednesday morning (June 5).
A deadline of May 31 was set for Bangladeshi workers to enter Malaysia through the FWCMS process via 100 designated recruiting agencies. This led to a rush of workers attempting to enter Malaysia before the deadline. Despite organising several special flights at the last moment, many visa holders could not be sent.
The minister added, "An investigation is underway to identify those responsible for this issue, and actions will be taken against them. A report will be provided within seven days. We will arrange for those with BMET clearance or e-visas to be sent."
Those listed as affected will receive compensation, he confirmed.
Additionally, regarding the claim by BAIRA (Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies) about 5,000 affected workers, the minister said BAIRA would provide detailed information to support their claim. According to the ministry's estimates, the number is 17,000, he added.
Meanwhile, Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Haznah Mohamed Hashim, mentioned that Kuala Lumpur is aware of the difficulties faced by Bangladeshi workers. However, the deadline of May 31 remains unchanged and cannot be extended, she added.
