In May, it was reported by The Financial Express that Malaysia would close it’s labour market to Bangladeshi workers from June 1st 2024. The article says the closure comes amid allegations of exploitative recruitment, with workers not being given the jobs promised to them and paying high recruitment fees.

The allegations come amid concerns expressed by UN experts in a letter sent to the Malaysian government. The Star later reported that the Government has responded to the letter, including saying a future meeting is scheduled to address the issue.

The article says this is the fifth time restrictions have been imposed on Bangladeshi immigration into the country, with earlier restrictions in 1996, 2001, 2009 and 2018.

The article suggests the policy will have a negative impact on the livelihoods of families of Bangladeshi migrants.

The Star later reported over 30,000 Bangladesh migrant workers approved to travel to Malaysia would not migrate in time by the May 31 deadline. KL International Airport is facing congestion, with migrants stranded and employers allegedly failing to communicate with the workers. Some agencies have allegedly been selling flights at inflated prices ahead of the closure.

CNA also reported in May that the Government is facing resistance to reforming its recruitment policies from Bestinet, a company contracted to manage migrant worker recruitment to Malaysia through its Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS). Its contract is set to expire at the end of May 2024. FWCMS is described in the article as riddled with abuse and mismanagement. Bestinet did not respond to the journalists' request for comment.