KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia and Bangladesh have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation on labour migration with a focus on transparency and fairness.

The matter was discussed during a meeting on Thursday between Bangladesh officials and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya.

The Bangladesh delegation was led by Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhuryand included adviser Mahdi Amin.

Human Resources Minister, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said key discussions focused on ensuring safe, orderly and legal migration while addressing recruitment challenges.

“Among the key matters agreed upon were efforts to expedite the reopening of the labour market for Bangladeshi workers based on Malaysia's sectoral needs, as well as ensuring a fair, ethical and transparent recruitment process.

“This includes reducing the role of intermediaries, lowering costs, and utilising authorised and qualified recruitment agencies,” he said.

Ramanan said Malaysia also proposed a technology and artificial intelligence-based recruitment system to reduce reliance on middlemen.

He said the system would ensure recruitment costs are fully paid by employers in line with the International Labour Organization Employer Pays principle.

Bangladesh expressed support for the plan and readiness to work together on its implementation.

Discussions also covered legal issues and concerns about human trafficking in worker recruitment.

“Both sides stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law, ensuring transparent justice processes, and safeguarding their respective international reputations.

“In addition, cooperation in skills development, training, certification and information sharing was also emphasised to ensure better matching between industry needs and the workforce, thereby enhancing productivity,” he said.

Ramanan said both countries will continue holding regular meetings to ensure the plans are carried out effectively.

“This cooperation reflects a shared commitment to building a fairer, more sustainable and globally competitive labour migration system,” he added.