Hiring begins with bribery

The UN independent experts have raised concerns over the recruitment process of Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia, alleging that it begins with bribery within Malaysian ministries and the Bangladesh High Commission. Workers are reportedly charged exorbitant fees of $4,500 to $6,000, violating the agreed cap of $720 under a bilateral agreement. The experts urged both governments to investigate the exploitation, ensure ethical recruitment, and prevent retaliation against workers for claiming their rights, citing potential debt bondage and humanitarian crisis. Representational photo: Star/File