Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) spokesperson Mahdi Amin today said that Malaysia’s labour market is expected to reopen soon for Bangladeshi workers.

He made the remarks while briefing journalists at the Bangladesh Secretariat following his recent visit to Malaysia alongside Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury.

Mahdi Amin, who also serves as an adviser to the Prime Minister, said the bilateral visit focused on making the process of sending Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia easier and faster. He noted that Bangladesh requested relaxation of existing complex regulations to improve access to the important labour market.

He said the issue of undocumented Bangladeshi workers currently residing in Malaysia was also discussed, with both sides exploring possible solutions.

The PMO spokesperson further stated that emphasis was placed on sending skilled workers, reducing migration costs, and dismantling syndicates to ensure workers can go abroad at lower expenses.

According to him, Malaysia assured that it would review these issues and take a decision soon.

Highlighting progress on manpower export, Mahdi Amin said the delegation held a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, which focused on facilitating the labour market for Bangladeshi workers.

He added that during the meeting, Anwar Ibrahim invited Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit Malaysia.

Describing the visit as a significant success, Mahdi Amin said a joint statement was issued for the first time between the two countries. Prepared under the direction of both prime ministers, the statement highlights key issues such as reducing migration costs and strengthening mutual cooperation, which he termed a major breakthrough.