Summary:
- Over 30,000 foreign nationals, mostly from India and China, are residing in Bangladesh with expired visas, raising legal and economic concerns.
- The government has introduced stricter penalties for overstaying, with daily fines ranging from Tk 1,000 to Tk 3,000 depending on the duration.
- Many overstayers are employed without proper permits, contributing to revenue losses and potentially engaging in criminal activities.
- Authorities are enhancing monitoring systems and warning employers and institutions to ensure compliance with immigration laws.
At least 30,000 foreign nationals, predominantly from India and China, are currently residing in Bangladesh with expired visas, according to recent reports. This issue has raised significant concerns among immigration authorities and the government, prompting warnings and potential legal actions against those who fail to renew or extend their visas.
Data from the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) and intelligence agencies reveal that 27,000 Indian nationals—approximately 60% of the total Indian residents in Bangladesh—are living with expired visas. Similarly, among the 10,000 Chinese nationals in the country, about 40% are overstaying their visa terms. These groups represent the largest share of offenders, though individuals from other nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Nepal, and several African countries, are also implicated.
The situation has drawn attention due to its broader implications. Many overstaying foreigners are employed in Bangladesh without valid work permits, leading to significant revenue losses for the government in unpaid taxes. Furthermore, this undermines job opportunities for local workers. Authorities estimate that there could be between 400,000 to 500,000 foreign nationals residing in Bangladesh overall, many of whom may lack proper documentation.
To address this issue, the government has recently revised its penalty structure for visa violations. Previously capped at Tk 30,000, fines for overstaying are now levied daily: Tk 1,000 per day for the first 15 days, Tk 2,000 per day between 16 and 90 days, and Tk 3,000 per day beyond 90 days. These changes aim to deter illegal stays while generating additional revenue.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a stern warning on December 8 to all foreign nationals with expired visas, urging them to renew their documentation or face legal action under the Foreigners Act of 1964. Legal measures could include fines or deportation. Special Branch (SB) officials have also indicated that some overstaying foreigners may be involved in criminal activities such as drug trafficking, counterfeit currency operations, illegal VOIP businesses, and even human trafficking.
In response to these challenges, authorities are working on creating a centralized database to monitor foreign nationals more effectively. This system will integrate data from various government entities, including immigration offices and security agencies. Additionally, companies and institutions employing or hosting illegal immigrants may face penalties under new enforcement measures.
While these steps mark progress toward addressing visa violations, officials note that further reforms are necessary. Legal loopholes in existing immigration policies allow some foreigners to change visa categories while already in the country. Moreover, outdated visa frameworks from 2006 remain partially in effect despite a revised policy introduced in 2019.
The government is also encouraging universities to scrutinize financial statements before admitting foreign students to prevent financial non-compliance among international learners. Dual citizens and students are generally given leniency for up to three months after their visas expire but must comply thereafter.
This crackdown reflects Bangladesh’s growing focus on tightening immigration controls amid its expanding economy and increasing foreign presence. Authorities hope these measures will ensure compliance while safeguarding national interests.
Source: Ittefaq
