Malaysia Revokes Work Permit of Bangladeshi Featured in Al Jazeera Documentary

(MALAYSIA) Malaysia revoked the work permit of Bangladeshi worker Mohamed Rayhan Kabir in 2020 after he spoke in an Al Jazeera documentary. Five years later, officials have not announced any change.

This week’s Malaysia–Bangladesh meetings focus on labor policy, not his case, based on official schedules and media briefings.

What happened in 2020

• Identity: The worker is Mohamed Rayhan Kabir, then 25, a Bangladeshi national who appeared in Al Jazeera’s 101 East episode “Locked Up in Malaysia’s Lockdown” on 3 July 2020.
• Work permit revoked: Malaysia’s police leadership said his work permit was revoked, which made him undocumented and at risk of removal.
• Arrest and removal plan: On 24 July 2020, the Immigration Department announced he was arrested, would be deported, and blacklisted from re-entering Malaysia indefinitely.
• Media probe: Authorities questioned Al Jazeera staff and examined possible charges linked to filming rules. The network said a license was not required.
• Rights groups’ response: Human Rights Watch criticized the arrest and called for his release and the return of his permit.

These points come from contemporaneous reports, including the Inspector-General of Police’s statements (Malay Mail), the Immigration Director General’s comments reported by Deutsche Welle, Al Jazeera’s public position, and Human Rights Watch’s call in July 2020.

Current status (as of 11 August 2025)

• No official reversal: There is no public notice in 2025 indicating Malaysia has lifted the deportation order or the blacklist.
• Practical effect: Unless Immigration issues a fresh decision, the 2020 blacklist remains in force, barring re-entry unless authorities grant a waiver.
• Case not on agenda: Pre-meeting materials for this week’s talks do not mention his case.

VisaVerge.com’s analysis notes that individual blacklists usually remain until Immigration or the Home Ministry removes them through a formal decision.

High-level talks this week

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus is in Malaysia for a three-day visit (11–13 August 2025), hosted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The Home Minister, Saifuddin Nasution, received the delegation on arrival.

Official agenda highlights:

• Labor recruitment of Bangladeshi workers
• Worker facilities and conditions
• Broader cooperation in defence, energy, education, and trade

Media in both countries report that labor market issues are a priority for the 12 August bilateral session. Official notices and previews do not flag any change to Mohamed Rayhan Kabir’s status or the 2020 blacklist decision.

What this means for workers

• Policy focus, not individual cases: Meetings this week concentrate on systems for hiring, oversight, and worker support. Past enforcement cases, like Rayhan Kabir’s, are not part of the public agenda.
• Recruitment pipelines: Any new deals could affect the volume and pace of hiring from Bangladesh, employer duties, and conditions at facilities.
• Compliance climate: Employers should expect closer checks on housing standards, documentation, and wage practices. Workers should keep all documents current and stored safely.

Can a blacklist be reviewed?

Malaysia can review a blacklist entry, but this involves discretion by enforcement authorities. There is no 2025 public guideline specific to this case. In general:

• Who decides: The Immigration Department and the Ministry of Home Affairs hold the power to remove or waive a blacklist.
• Typical path: A person (or their lawyer) may send a written appeal with reasons, proof of good conduct, and any humanitarian or public-interest grounds. Support from a foreign mission can help the file reach the right desk.
• Government-to-government backing: In sensitive or high-profile matters, home-country officials may raise the case through formal channels.
• Important: There is no sign in 2025 that such a request has been accepted in this case.

For official information and contact points, use the Malaysian Immigration Department’s site: https://www.imi.gov.my/

Guidance for Bangladeshi nationals in Malaysia

If you hold a Malaysian work permit today:

• Keep a copy of your passport, work permit card, employment letter, and latest payslips with you.
• Check that your permit expiry date and employer details match your current job.
• If you change jobs, ensure the new permit is approved before you start work.
• If police or Immigration officers ask for documents, stay calm and show originals where possible.

If you fear your status is at risk:

1. Speak with your employer’s HR immediately and request written proof of your permit’s validity.
2. Contact your embassy in Kuala Lumpur and ask for guidance on status checks or legal help.
3. Consider getting advice from a licensed lawyer familiar with immigration cases.

Media participation and speech concerns

Workers often ask if speaking to media can affect their status. Malaysia’s 2020 response to the Al Jazeera episode shows that public statements can draw official attention. Practical tips:

• If you share views in public, do so respectfully and avoid false claims.
• If approached for a documentary or interview, ask for clear context, and consider seeking legal advice before recording.
• Remember that work permit holders must follow all laws. Nothing in a TV segment protects you from immigration rules.

Key takeaway: public comments can attract enforcement attention; exercise caution and seek advice if unsure.

A look ahead

• Short term (this week): After the 12 August meeting, look for official readouts. Any change on past cases would likely appear in a statement from the Home Ministry or Immigration. None is expected based on pre-meeting notes.
• Medium term: If Malaysia and Bangladesh update hiring frameworks, we may see stronger worker support systems and faster dispute handling. A specific blacklist reversal, however, would still require a separate, explicit decision by Immigration.

What families and employers should know

• Employers:
  • Keep clean records, provide safe housing, and pay wages on time.
  • Track permit renewals early to avoid lapses.
• Families:
  • Keep scanned copies of documents.
  • If a family member is detained, note the place and time, and contact a lawyer and your embassy quickly.
• Community groups:
  • Offer safe channels to raise issues without putting workers at risk.

Key takeaways

• Mohamed Rayhan Kabir’s work permit was revoked in 2020; he was arrested on 24 July 2020, deported, and blacklisted indefinitely. There is no 2025 change on record.
• This week’s Malaysia–Bangladesh talks prioritize labor systems, not individual cases.
• Blacklist removal is possible only through a formal decision by Immigration or the Home Ministry.
• Workers should keep documents current and seek prompt legal and embassy help if problems arise.