Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources has rejected Nepal’s proposal to allow all licensed manpower companies to send Nepali workers, stating it will continue with its current system of limited agencies. The decision was communicated in a letter sent to Nepal’s Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment.Nepal had formally requested on September 11, through a diplomatic note, and again on September 24, during a telephone conversation between the two countries’ ministers, for all 1,114 active Nepali manpower companies to be registered as principal agencies in Malaysia’s Foreign Workers Centralised Management System. However, Malaysia has maintained its stance, confirming its final decision to recruit workers exclusively through 25 principal manpower companies, each with 10 designated associate companies.Malaysia claims that working with a limited number of thoroughly vetted agencies significantly reduces risks such as unethical recruitment practices, contract alterations, excessive fees charged to workers, and exploitation. The diplomatic letter, sent via the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu to Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and subsequently to the Ministry of Labour, also emphasized Malaysia’s high regard for its historical and bilateral relationship with Nepal.Jagadish Parajuli, an information officer at Nepal’s Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment, stated that the ministry has not yet formally received the letter through official channels.
Background
- Malaysia claims that working with a limited number of vetted agencies reduces risks like unethical recruitment and exploitation.
- Malaysia emphasized its high regard for its historical and bilateral relationship with Nepal in the diplomatic letter.
