Malaysia's New Recruitment Policy Creates Uncertainty for Nepali Workers and Agencies
Summary
Malaysia’s new recruitment policy has created uncertainty for thousands of Nepali workers and manpower agencies after it listed 250 sub-agent companies under 25 main contractors. Nepali entrepreneurs and officials say the move limits fair access, raises concerns about a syndicate-like system, and goes against the labour agreement between the two countries.
Key Points
- Malaysia has added 250 sub-agent companies under 25 main contractors in its foreign worker management system for hiring workers from Nepal.
- Nepali manpower entrepreneurs say the decision is unacceptable and unfairly limits opportunities for the more than 1,100 legal manpower companies in Nepal.
- The Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment has sent a diplomatic note and says it has repeatedly urged Malaysia to follow the spirit of the bilateral labour agreement.
- Stakeholders want the issue resolved through high-level talks and want the government to end the limited-company recruitment system.
