DHAKA, Oct 5, 2024 (BSS) - Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul today said the government has taken steps to reopen the labor market in Malaysia. 

"The government is working to reopen the closed labor market in Malaysia along with sending about 18,000 workers who failed go earlier due to complications over air ticket," he said.

The adviser also said the government is also working to create equal opportunities for all Bangladeshi recruiting agencies over sending laborers to Malaysia and increasing wages of the workers there.

Dr Asif, also law, justice and parliamentary affairs adviser, said this while he was speaking at a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) signing ceremony at the Bijoy-71 Auditorium of Probasi Kallyan Bhaban in the city, said a press release. 

The MoC was signed between the Social Security Organization (PERKESO) of Malaysian Human Resources Ministry and Wage Earners' Welfare Board (WEWB) of Bangladesh's Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry.

WEWB Director General Md Hamidur Rahman and PERKESO Director General Dr. Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed signed the MoC on behalf of their respective organizations.

The adviser termed the signing of MoC between the two countries as a historic milestone to ensure the safety and welfare of Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia. 

He said that the expatriate workers are playing an important role in the socio-economic development of the country.

"Our expatriates represent Bangladesh when they stay abroad. Everyone works as a flag of Bangladesh. Apart from playing a positive role in the country's economy, the expatriates are also playing a leading role in socio-social development activities," Dr Asif said.

He emphasized on the proper evaluation of the expatriate workers and ensuring welfare and protection of their families and said WEWB under the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment is working relentlessly to this end.

Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry Secretary Md Ruhul Amin was present at the function, among others.