Silent struggles for well-being: unraveling the hidden plight of Bangladeshi migrant workers in Malaysia

Purpose This study investigates the multidimensional challenges experienced by Bangladeshi migrant workers (BMWs) in Malaysia's construction sector and explores their implications on social well-being using Keyes' (1998) five-domain framework: social integration, social acceptance, social contribution, social actualization, and social coherence. Design/methodology/approach The study employed a qualitative case study approach using semi-structured interviews with 40 Bangladeshi construction workers, two key informant interviews (KIIs), and two field observations. Data were analyzed thematically, and findings were interpreted using Keyes' (1998) social well-being framework. Findings The study reveals that BMWs face interlocking forms of structural, economic, and psychosocial exploitation. Challenges include excessive migration fees, wage disparities, unsafe working conditions, restricted access to healthcare, legal harassment, and profound social exclusion. These hardships severely undermine all five domains of social well-being—limiting their sense of belonging, value, contribution, hope, and coherence. The study also highlights how limited access to collective representation and the fear of deportation constrain migrant agency and psychosocial resilience. Research limitations/implications The findings are based on one nationality and sector, potentially limiting generalizability. However, the study offers a transferable framework for examining the well-being of other migrant groups across sectors using a rights-based, psychosocial lens. Practical implications The findings highlight the urgent need for policies that ensure wage fairness, healthcare access, legal protection, and social inclusion. Specific attention should be given to psychosocial support and mechanisms for collective representation. Social implications Improving the well-being of migrant workers is vital not only for social justice but also for fostering cohesive, inclusive societies. Interventions grounded in well-being frameworks can help realign labor governance with international human rights standards. Originality/value This study contributes original insights by applying Keyes' (1998) framework to analyze the lived experiences of Bangladeshi migrant workers, offering a novel psychosocial perspective on migrant well-being. It bridges the gap between policy discourse and grounded realities, offering actionable guidance for policymakers, labor advocates, and international stakeholders.