Legalizing illegal workers: Malaysia's home minister

He said this after the meeting in the conference room of Ministry of Expatriate Welfare and Foreign Employment on Sunday. 

The Home Minister said, 'We talked about the compromise agreement made earlier. This deal was a big part of today's talks. The Malaysian government wants to facilitate the process, so that the main goal can be reached. The main aim is to meet the needs, reduce costs, protect the dignity of foreign workers. If the current process does not meet that goal, we are ready to make changes. That's why we will sit in the discussion.' 

He said, 'There are currently 1.5 million foreign workers in Malaysia. Among them, four and a half lakh Bangladeshi workers. That is why Bangladesh ranks first among 15 source countries. Bangladeshi workers are contributing greatly to Malaysia's economy.

The Malaysian minister said, 'We had a fruitful discussion today on two issues. First is about making the recalibration program faster. Second, the Malaysian government is committed to reducing immigration costs.' 

Regarding the recalibration program, he said, 'There are many illegal workers in Malaysia. They are being validated through a process. This program has started from last January 27. I would like to know that 55 percent of the legalization we have approved in one week is Bangladeshi.

I have requested Minister Imran Ahmad for cooperation, Bangladesh to do their part, so that we can meet the needs of our workers.'

He said, 'We have reduced the approval time. Previously it used to take 20-30 days. Now approval is given in 2-3 days. This is a major policy change.' 

At this time, Expatriate Welfare and Foreign Employment Minister Imran Ahmed, Senior Secretary Dr. Ahmed Muniruch Salehin and senior officials of the two countries were present.