PUTRAJAYA – The Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) facility introduced by the Malaysian Government to Bangladeshi foreign workers is described as a form of appreciation for the great contribution of the country’s workforce to Malaysia’s economic development.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the implementation of the visa facility was an initiative agreed upon with the Minister of Home Affairs and the Minister of Human Resources, especially to make it easier for workers to return home to meet their families and be more secure in their jobs.

“The Bangladesh government has put forward several proposals and we have given special priority to helping stranded workers.

“Bangladeshi workers have played an important role in helping the country’s development. This visa facility will give them the opportunity to return to see their families and return to work with a sense of greater security,” he said in a press conference with Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus in conjunction with the three-day visit of the Bangladeshi Chief Government Advisor at the Perdana Putra Complex, here today.

MEV facilities began being provided to Bangladeshi foreign workers effective August 8 in an effort to strengthen the management of the legal entry and exit of foreign workers.

The implementation of the visa will also reduce the risk of immigration pass abuse through a more systematic monitoring system when it will be coordinated by the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) at international entry points for holders of Temporary Work Visit Passes (PLKS) who are still valid.

Meanwhile, Anwar said, apart from the labour issue, Malaysia and Bangladesh also agreed to strengthen cooperation in various fields including energy, the halal sector and the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

This includes the fields of research and semiconductors, in addition to continuing efforts to address the humanitarian issue of Rohingya refugees in the region.

Anwar explained that Malaysia is also concerned about the burden borne by Bangladesh in accommodating the large number of Rohingya refugees.

“Therefore, ensuring peace in Myanmar is a major priority, in addition to providing immediate humanitarian assistance to the victims who are suffering, starting with refugees, followed by earthquake victims.”

“The Malaysian Foreign Minister will coordinate a joint team with Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand to visit Myanmar in the coming weeks to ensure that peace can be achieved, and that the atrocities against certain ethnic groups and the people of Myanmar can be resolved peacefully,” he said.