The Worker's Lens

Burmese Migrant Worker, Seafood Industry, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

"Due to the rising operating costs, the boat owners have ceased fishing operations. This has left us in a difficult situation as we relied on the income from working on the fishing boat for our meals. Now, we are facing financial troubles, which is why I had to seek odd jobs to cover our household expenses"

Bangladeshi Jobseeker, Gazipur, Bangladesh

This year has been particularly challenging for me as a determined job seeker from Bangladesh. The quota freeze in Malaysia and the political upheaval in my home country have cast a shadow over my dream of working abroad. Malaysia was a promising option due to its proximity and manageable recruitment fees compared to other destinations for low-skilled workers like myself. However, given the current situation and my financial constraints, I’m left uncertain about when, or even if, I will be able to find work abroad and support my family. Despite these difficulties, I’m holding on to hope and exploring all possible avenues to achieve my goals.

Nepali Migrant Worker, Electronic Factory, Malaysia

There is an app called Ujwal Sapana that helps with traveling to Malaysia. In the Ujwal Sapana app, I created my bio data and got the job under the free visa and free ticket model. I will also get reimbursement of the passport-making fee from the recruitment agency. I request all of you to download the app to get informed about other job demands. Please don’t fall into the trap of agents. Agents will charge 4 to 5 lakhs NPR (U$ 3,000-$3,700~) to secure a visa for Malaysia, so don’t run behind those agents. Download the Ujwal Sapana app and come via that app. It is also known as the Golden Dream app.

A Returned Migrant Worker, Bangladesh

After many years of working in Malaysia, my colleagues and I were unexpectedly informed that we needed to return home. This news came as a shock, as we had not been given any prior notice about the company’s decision. During this time, our passports were not in our possession, and we later discovered that our visas had not been renewed for a couple of years. As a result, we were sent back with a special permit, which means we won’t be able to return for the next five years. While some of us managed to find new opportunities and stay behind, the rest of us returned home. Since coming back, I’ve focused on starting a new chapter in my life with my recent marriage and dedicating my time to my family.

Burmese Migrant Workers, Seafood Industry, Samut Sakhon, Thailand

"Before I met Issara, I didn't know to whom I should raise the issues. Now, after learning about Issara, I feel confident discussing any issues I have. Thank you for the opportunity to attend the training. I gained knowledge about basic labor rights and employer-employee communication. I have also shared it with as many other workers as I can."

Burmese Migrant Worker, Electronic Factory, Phetchaburi, Thailand

"I should be the one addressing the issue in the first place since I came here willingly, without any external pressure. I also express my respect to all organizations that support migrant worker issues. I believe that if we collectively find solutions, we will succeed. However, one thing we need is patience and mutual understanding towards each other."