Image sources: South China Morning Post
UN Experts Flag Widespread Exploitation of Bangladeshi Migrant Workers in Malaysia
United Nations human-rights experts have issued serious warnings about “widespread and systematic” exploitation of Bangladeshi migrant workers in Malaysia. Over 800,000 Bangladeshis hold Malaysian work permits, making them the largest documented foreign worker group in the country.
Reported abuses include exorbitant recruitment fees — often up to five times higher than official rates — confiscation of passports, deceptive job offers, inconsistent contracts, and lack of government support. Workers without proper documentation face severe risks like arrest, detention, and deportation under Malaysia’s strict immigration laws.
Human-rights groups have also highlighted that upcoming trade rules like the EU’s Forced Labour Regulation (effective 2027) could restrict goods linked to exploitative labour, increasing pressure on employers and authorities to improve migrant work conditions.
📌Industry Insight:
These developments underscore the urgent need for stronger labour protection frameworks, more transparent recruitment systems, and international coordination — especially for labour-sending countries like Bangladesh and labour-receiving regions like Malaysia.
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