Police accuse them of collecting an unauthorised biomedical fee from migrant workers, while labour ministry officials say a bilateral technical committee had approved the charge. The foreign ministry had urged a diplomatic solution.

Kuala Lumpur will retain its list of 25 primary agencies and 250 sub-agencies, leaving the recruitment of new Nepali workers in limbo as Malaysia also announces a minimum wage hike to 2,000 ringgit from June 2027.

The increase, announced in the 2027 budget, is expected to benefit more than four million workers, including Nepalis, although micro, small and medium-sized businesses will receive an exemption.

Some are returning after over a decade, while others will mark the festival in workers’ compounds far from home.

Eligible workers can process entry visas for immediate family members while completing their own employment visa procedures.

Businesses could face difficulties if wages are raised without considering their capacity, while the government could consider wage subsidies, a minister says.

Any increase would directly benefit eligible Nepali workers employed in Malaysia. About 400,000 Nepalis work in the country.

New labour approvals have fallen 52 percent since the Iran war began, with some workers sent home on unpaid leave.

Pact targets forced labour, recruitment fees and rights violations as Malaysia reports 46 complaints involving Nepali workers.

Israel says private agencies are legally entitled to charge foreign workers, while Nepal wants recruitment to remain free or worker-friendly

Kathmandu is seeking an early meeting of a bilateral technical committee after Kuala Lumpur selected recruitment agencies unilaterally, prompting concerns over transparency and fair competition.

The foreign employment department has given the agencies seven days to explain the criteria and process used for their selection.

Raid is part of an extended migrant repatriation programme.

Kuala Lumpur’s decision to channel hiring through 25 principal agencies has drawn objections from Kathmandu. Officials and recruitment agencies call for high-level talks to resolve the issue.

For families who can’t afford the airfare, the choice is a foreign grave or years of waiting.