UN human rights experts have reported widespread and systematic exploitation, fraud, and debt bondage of Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia. Currently, over 800,000 Bangladeshis are legally employed in Malaysia, forming the largest group among foreign workers.
According to the UN, thousands of workers remain trapped in Bangladesh or face exploitation in Malaysia, often having paid up to five times the government-set fees to work abroad. Minakshi Ganguly, Deputy Director for Asia at Human Rights Watch, stated that passport confiscation, false job promises, unequal contracts and benefits, and lack of adequate government support are common issues.
Undocumented workers face arrest, detention, abuse, and deportation under Malaysia’s strict immigration laws. Regular raids have led to the detention of around 18,000 migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. The US and European Union have previously imposed restrictions on imports from factories using exploited labour, with the EU’s new Forced Labour Regulation taking effect in 2027.
Experts emphasise that the governments of Bangladesh and Malaysia, alongside sending and receiving countries and companies with headquarters in the US, EU, and UK, must ensure that migrant labour is managed in a way that protects workers’ rights. Forced returns or retaliatory measures violate international human rights law.
International buyers are urged to follow the Fair Labour Association’s ‘Guidance for Responsible Recruitment’, including ensuring recruitment costs are included in invoices and providing legal support for migrant workers. Bangladesh and Malaysia must immediately stop worker exploitation. Economies dependent on migrant labour should undertake urgent reforms to reduce sanctions risks and alleviate the suffering of thousands.
GLIVE/TSN