Support Migrant Worker Modern Slavery Victims Facing Forced Repatriation from and Injustice in Malaysia. 

65 Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia face forced repatriation — without passports, without due process and before their unfair dismissal case can be heard.

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

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

The Bangladeshi government and embassy has failed to provide practical support to them. 

When workers peacefully protested and demanded rights, they say they were retaliated against — all workers were dismissed on 31 Oct 2025, leaving most of them undocumented, unpaid and vulnerable.

The situation escalated rapidly. Despite positive wins early on in their industrial action, more than 125 workers were forcibly repatriated back to Bangladesh.

Remaining workers were ordered to report to immigration recently — without reason and without access to their passports, which they have never held.

The workers fear they will be deported before justice can be pursued. So they filed police complaints. 

In August the workers, represented by rights activist Andy Hall, filed an 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.

This campaign is international with protests taking place in Bangladesh and online campaigns launched.

The workers’ legal team has taken action to preempt more forced repatriations. Workers filed suit in the High Court against MediCeram on 22nd Dec. An injunction was granted on 26th Dec prohibiting forced repatriations, mandating status regularisation and ordering that workers passports be returned to them.

On the same day, MediCeram forced back to Bangladesh another 26 workers, a move workers believe is in contempt of the court injunction. 

More legal action is still needed. If more deportations occur, workers’ claims may never be heard. The next High Court hearing on the case is on 15th Jan 2026. An Industrial Court hearing on the case has yet to be scheduled. Mediceram was recently wound up also. 

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

This fundraiser exists because time is critical.

Funds raised will be used for:

• Urgent legal costs to seek emergency measures and representation for the victims NOW 

• Emergency protection needs, including food, shelter, and transport IF NEEDED 

• 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 remain in Malaysia or to seek justice for their abuse, and for their passports to be returned.

Donate now to help stop further forced repatriations 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.