Bangladeshi Workers Face Unchecked Exploitation in Malaysia

UN human rights experts have reported that Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia are facing widespread and systematic exploitation, fraud, and rising debt bondage. Currently, more than 800,000 Bangladeshis are legally working in Malaysia with valid work permits, making them the largest group among foreign workers in the country.

According to UN data, thousands of workers are still trapped in Bangladesh or falling victim to exploitation upon arrival in Malaysia. Many have paid up to five times the government-set fees to go abroad. Meenakshi Ganguly, Deputy Director for Asia at Human Rights Watch, noted that common abuses include seizure of passports by Malaysian employers, false job promises, unequal contracts and benefits, and insufficient support from relevant government agencies.

Workers residing in Malaysia without proper documentation face arrest, detention, abuse, and deportation under strict Malaysian immigration laws, which criminalise irregular entry. Malaysian authorities regularly conduct immigration raids and have detained around 18,000 migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Previously, the United States had imposed import restrictions on certain Malaysian factories. Similarly, the European Union’s new Forced Labour Regulation, effective in 2027, will restrict trade in goods produced through forced labour. Cases of worker exploitation and debt bondage could trigger such trade restrictions.

Governments of Bangladesh and Malaysia, along with labour-sending and receiving countries, and those hosting company headquarters—such as the United States, EU member states, and the UK—have a responsibility to manage labour migration in a way that protects workers’ rights. All relevant countries must respond to UN expert appeals, promptly investigate complaints, and ensure effective remedies. Experts emphasise that forced repatriation or any form of retaliation constitutes a violation of international human rights law.

International buyers importing goods from Malaysia should follow the Fair Labor Association’s ‘Guidance for Responsible Recruitment’, which advises that buyers include the cost of responsible recruitment in their expenses and ensure suppliers reflect these costs in invoices. Buyers should also support migrant workers in accessing legal assistance. Bangladesh and Malaysia must immediately end worker abuse. Countries dependent on migrant labour for their economy should take urgent reform measures to reduce the risk of sanctions and alleviate the suffering of thousands.

Khaborwala/TSN