Nepal investigates recruitment agencies over Malaysia labor process

The government of Nepal has launched an investigation into the recruitment process for workers traveling to Malaysia following controversy over agency selection. The Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment has directed the Department of Foreign Employment to probe 25 specific agencies that were initially authorized by Malaysia to send workers.

Amid widespread criticism, Malaysia’s Foreign Worker Central Management System (FWCMS) recently listed an additional 250 Nepali recruitment agencies as sub-agents under the original 25. The Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies has raised concerns that this arrangement creates a syndicate, potentially violating constitutional principles of free competition.

Department Director General Navaraj Dhakal stated that the investigation aims to determine the basis for these selections and whether the arrangement obstructs legal competition. The Department also plans to seek explanations from the 250 sub-agencies and may request the Nepali Embassy in Malaysia to suspend document attestation and pre-approval processes for workers until the matter is resolved.