Workers who were unable to go to Malaysia even after having visas will be refunded, State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Shafiqul Rahman Chowdhury said on Thursday.
"We have decided that everyone who couldn't go will get their money back. We had a meeting with the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA). As long as they can provide proof of payment, they will receive a full refund," said the state minister.
He also warned that if the money is not refunded within 15 days, action will be taken against BAIRA and all involved parties.
The state minister said, "We had approval for 522,000 workers. Out of these, 476,000 were able to go. We had informed the deadline. On May 2, we advertised in 10 newspapers and various online platforms. We had a meeting with everyone on the 15th. In total, 44 chartered flights, including 22 flights, were organised. However, according to our calculations, 17,777 people could not go."
He said the investigation committee found that 100 agents failed to send varying numbers of workers, ranging from 10, 50 to 500.
"We are re-establishing contact with Malaysia at the end of this month. If we get the permit, those who couldn't go earlier will be given priority," he added.
