Government and Manpower Entrepreneurs Unite in Opposition Over Malaysia’s New Worker List
After Malaysia approved only 25 Nepalese manpower companies for sending workers, the Nepalese government rejected this move. Labor Minister Ramji Yadav held discussions with Malaysia’s acting ambassador and requested a solution through a joint technical committee. Nepal’s foreign employment entrepreneurs have protested against this system, calling it a syndicate and demanding an investigation. Kathmandu, September 23 – Following Malaysia’s issuance of a new list permitting only 25 manpower companies from Nepal to send workers, both the Nepalese government and manpower entrepreneurs have jointly opposed the decision. There have long been attempts by a limited group of entrepreneurs to monopolize sending workers to Malaysia.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources started implementing the Foreign Worker Centralized Management System (FWCMS) on August 22, 2026, only registering selected foreign employment entrepreneurs. According to this, only 25 Nepali companies were included on the list, along with a limited number from Bangladesh and other countries. Companies not registered under this system are prohibited from recruiting foreign workers in Malaysia. Out of hundreds of foreign employment contractors in Nepal, only 25 now have direct access to employment opportunities in Malaysia.
In response, the Nepalese government began preparations to oppose the system. Labor Minister Ramji Yadav summoned Malaysia’s acting ambassador Mohammad Firdos Azman to Kathmandu, expressing serious concerns and urging a resolution in bilateral interest. A statement issued by the Ministry of Youth, Labor, and Employment stated that the list is unacceptable and rejected any attempts to create a monopoly. The ministry emphasized that all issues must be resolved through the joint technical committee as per bilateral agreements.
Malaysia has fully digitized its labor recruitment process. Starting August 22, 2026, employers can apply only online through the FWCMS system. This process removes the need for frequent visits to government offices and is seen as enhancing transparency. However, Malaysia has assured that the new system will not weaken legal standards and qualifications. Still, this new arrangement has generated significant anger and opposition among Nepalese foreign employment entrepreneurs, who have labeled it a syndicate and illegal activity, demanding a government investigation. The Nepal Foreign Employment Entrepreneurs’ Association and other related organizations jointly submitted memorandums against the syndicate, warning that monopolization attempts will adversely impact Nepalese workers.
Some of the companies listed have expressed surprise, stating they were unaware of their inclusion. Others have objected, saying their institutions were not involved in the process. On Monday, the Nepalese government plans to meet with the 25 listed manpower companies to gather detailed information about the system and listing process. The disagreement and dispute over Malaysia’s limited listing of Nepali companies is expected to affect future labor relations between the two countries and has introduced uncertainty for the Nepalese manpower industry and thousands of migrant workers’ employment opportunities.