Bangladesh mission in Malaysia introduces 3 hotlines for migrant workers

Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia has introduced three dedicated mobile phone numbers for migrants to better address their problems related to passports and other welfare issues.

The migrants can call 0104303110 and 0104303020 for passport updates. They can also call 01126206701 for labour welfare-related issues between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, said Bangladesh High Commission in a circular.

"The High Commission will take prompt action if any request or information is received through these calls," it said.

"There will be additional and dedicated staff to attend the calls of the Bangladeshi migrants. We will try to serve them better," said Khorshed Alam Khastagir, Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.

In recent times, Bangladeshis in various parts of the world reported troubles securing passport renewals. It took four to five months to get the much-sought-after document which is very important for migrants while working abroad.

Many said they were facing risks of being undocumented or losing jobs.

Khastagir said due to widespread infections of Covid-19 in Malaysia, the high commission has introduced the online system for passport application and delivery through post offices.

Taking advantage of this, many brokers came into play, he said adding: "We have introduced the phone numbers so that instead of going to the brokers, migrants directly call the high commission for getting their problems addressed," he said.