Malaysia to legalize BD workers from Feb 15

Bangladeshi workers who are working illegally in Malaysia will be given valid work permits from February 15.

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the authorities will implement the first phase for three months, to gauge the programme’s effectiveness.

He said this while addressing a press conference on Friday. The program was broadcasted by Malaysian national TV on Friday night.

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the programme ensures that employers can register their workers online directly, without relying on agents who would pocket levies from employers but fail to register their workers.

He said, Two million illegal foreign workers in Malaysia will get valid work permits through this process.

Prime Minister Najib Razak announced on Jan 28 that the programme would allow illegal foreign workers to be given valid work permits, and the authorities to better monitor their numbers for security.