KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian government has introduced new eligibility criteria for Nepali manpower agencies supplying workers to Malaysia.

Malaysia conveyed the decision to the Embassy of Nepal in Kuala Lumpur, stating that only agencies meeting the standards will be permitted to operate.

The criteria will be vetted by Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources based on ten mandatory requirements.

Nepal has been asked to submit a list of qualified recruitment companies by 15 November.

The requirements include at least five years of operating licence, managing 3,000 workers across three countries, and positive testimonials from foreign employers.

Agencies must also operate from a permanent 10,000 square-foot office and run a fully equipped training and assessment centre.

Nepal has informed Malaysia that the criteria are not acceptable in their current form.

“We submitted the letter through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informing us of our inability to accept the criteria as it is,” said its Ministry of Labour spokesperson Pitambar Ghimire.

He said alternative arrangements should be explored through diplomatic channels.

Malaysia has issued the same conditions to recruitment companies in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Myanmar.

Nepali recruitment agencies have protested the criteria, describing them as excessive and impractical.

Malaysia remains a major employment destination for Nepali workers, although many face high recruitment costs, debt risks and exploitative job conditions.

According to Nepal Rastra Bank, 10,219 Nepalis went to Malaysia for work in the current fiscal year, down sharply from 81,382 the previous year.