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Friday | November 06, 2026 | Dhaka

Tk3 lakh cap proposed for Malaysia-bound workers

 Staff Reporter
 Published: 12:02 AM, 06 November 2026

The government is considering setting the cost of sending workers to Malaysia at Tk2.5 lakh to Tk3 lakh following a proposal from recruiting agencies.

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury sought proposals from recruiting agencies on fixing migration costs at a meeting with representatives of agencies listed under Malaysia’s Foreign Workers Management System (FWMS) at the Expatriates’ Welfare Building in Dhaka on Thursday.

During the meeting, one agency owner proposed that workers be sent to Malaysia for Tk2.5 lakh to Tk3 lakh, adding that the amount could be increased if necessary.

Ariful Haque said the proposal could help restore public confidence by reducing the financial burden on aspiring migrant workers and their families.

“We have received a specific proposal of Tk2.5 lakh to Tk3 lakh.

This will reassure people across the country that they will not have to sell their land or cattle to send their sons abroad.

The government will also extend support accordingly,” he said.

Recruiting agency representatives also urged the government to resume medical examinations for prospective workers to facilitate the reopening of the Malaysian labour market.

State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque urged recruiting agencies to maintain reasonable profit margins and refrain from charging excessive amounts.

“We understand that processing visas involves costs.

You have to run offices and maintain staff, so making a profit is normal. However, it should be within a reasonable and acceptable limit, not excessive,” he said.

He said the minister had sought opinions from agency representatives on migration costs and that several had submitted proposals.

“We will hold an official meeting on the matter and then consider what the migration cost should be,” he added.