Malaysian envoy rejects BAIRA’s allegations over irregularities in visa issuance
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Malaysian High Commissioner in Dhaka Haznah Md Hashim has rejected allegations raised by the Bangladesh Association for International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) over irregularities in the issuance of visas.
Recently, BAIRA blamed irregularities and mismanagement, particularly the issuance of visas even after the deadline, for the failure of many Bangladeshi workers to travel to Malaysia within the May 31 deadline.
“The deadline ended on May 31, but e-visas were issued even until June 2,” the BAIRA had alleged.
Replying to a question from a journalist over the allegation on Wednesday, the Malaysian envoy said her government maintained the deadline strictly that expired on May 31.
"We cannot entertain any allegations without proof,” she said.
“This is not peculiar to Bangladesh, it is applicable to all 15 source countries. We need to ensure uniformity regarding deadline,” she added.
Earlier on the day, the envoy held a meeting with State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Shofiqur Rahman Choudhury at the city’s Probashi Kallyan Bhaban.
Replying to another question about the joblessness of Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia, the Malaysian envoy said, "This issue is being looked into by her government."
“I will not comment on this matter,” she told the journalists.
State Minister Shofiqur Rahman Choudhury said he requested the Malaysian government again to allow Bangladeshi workers who failed to go to the country by the deadline.
The committee will submit its report within seven working days.
It opened an email [email protected] for receiving complaints from the workers who failed to go to Malaysia by the deadline.
Workers also can contact 01924-277083 and 01715228307 to lodge their complaints and send necessary documents through WhatsApp.
The government formed an investigation committee to find out the reasons behind the failure of about 17,000 Bangladeshi to reach Malaysia within the May 31 deadline.
The Southeast-Asian country closed its door to foreign workers, including Bangladeshis, on Friday.
About 17000 Bangladeshis with visas and Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training clearances missed the deadline. As a result, they are facing uncertainty over going to Malaysia, otherwise getting migration costs back.
Each of the workers spent more than Tk 500,000 to go to the job destination country.