Support Migrant Worker Modern Slavery Victims in Ansell’s global supply chain in Malaysia 

NB. In May 2026 a LOMA campaign was launched to ensure MediCeram victims get compensation from Ansell. JOIN US NOW! @ https://loma.global/local-matters/ansell-stop-modern-slavery-1

Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia were forcibly repatriated - without passports, without due process and before their unfair dismissal case could be heard.

These workers were employed in conditions of forced labour and modern slavery at MediCeram Sdn Bhd, a supplier to Ansell, YTY, Top Glove and Qube. 

Workers reported that since arriving in Malaysia, their passports were confiscated, their employment status left irregular and their basic rights were denied.

The Bangladeshi government in Dhaka and its High Commission in Malaysia failed, alongside Malaysian authorities, to provide practical support to them. 

When the MediCeram workers peacefully protested and demanded rights, they were retaliated against. Despite positive wins early on in industrial action, all the workers were dismissed in October 2025, leaving most of them undocumented, unpaid and vulnerable.

The situation escalated rapidly and all workers were eventually forcibly repatriated to Bangladesh without their passports, which they never held in Malaysia.

Workers feared they would be deported before justice could be pursued. So they filed police complaints. But in vain as Malaysian authorities ignored their plight.

In August 2025 the workers, represented by activist Andy Hall, filed an ongoing OECD complaint against Ansell, a key international customer of MediCeram.

In November, UN agencies including the ILO, IOM and OHCHR were petitioned in Geneva. The OHCHR responded immediately with statements of concern.

On 19 Dec 2025, the workers complained to SUHAKAM, Malaysia’s Human Rights Commission. Suhakam never responded to their complaint.

The workers’ lawyers tried to preempt forced repatriations. Workers filed suit in the High Court against MediCeram on 22nd Dec. An injunction was granted on 26th Dec against forced repatriations, mandating status regularisation and ordering passports returned.

On the same day, MediCeram forced back to Bangladesh more workers, a move workers believe was in contempt of the court injunction.

Eventually, MediCeram was wound up in late 2025 by its creditors and then in early 2026 the High Court issued a default judgement in favour of the workers on all the abuses they claimed.

An Industrial Court hearing was scheduled to rule on the workers unfair dismissal but it was too late as all the workers were repatriated to Bangladesh. A High Court judgement has already been issued in workers favour but it remains unenforced. 

Workers want to return to work in Malaysia to support their families. Workers want their passports back, and they demand an end to modern slavery.

This campaign is international  with protests  in Bangladesh, Melbourne and online campaigns also .

This fundraiser also exists alongside campaigns because time is critical. Funds raised will be used for:

• Urgent legal costs to continue representation for the victims to enforce the High Court judgement against MediCeram and its creditors 

• Emergency aid, including food, shelter, and transport for returned workers in Bangladesh 

• Documentation and advocacy support to engage authorities and international bodies

This campaign is managed by the Migrant Welfare Network (MWN), a Bangladeshi migrant led group working directly with affected workers to coordinate legal and human rights support on the ground.

These workers are not asking for charity but for the right to return in Malaysia or to seek justice for their abuse, and for their passports to be returned.

Donate now to help stop further abuses and ensure these workers can access legal protection, justice and remediation before it is too late.

If you cannot donate, please share this campaign now — visibility can help prevent irreversible harm.

Your support today can make the difference.

NB. In May 2026 a LOMA campaign was launched to ensure MediCeram victims compensation from Ansell. JOIN US NOW! @ https://loma.global/local-matters/ansell-stop-modern-slavery-1