How to Get a Work Permit Visa in Bangladesh

Visa and Immigration Service in Bangladesh

Foreign nationals seeking employment in Bangladesh must obtain a work permit from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on the process of obtaining a work permit, from initial application to final approval. LegalSeba.com offers expert assistance at every step to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Three government authorities issue work permit in Bangladesh.

1. For private sector industrial enterprise, branch office and liaison office, outside of Export Processing Zone (EPZ) – Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).
2. For employment of foreign nationals in the EPZ– Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA).
3. For employment of foreign nationals in any NGO – NGO Affairs Bureau.
4. For special categories, recommendations from respective ministries

Guidelines for Issuing Work Permits by BIDA

Private sector industrial enterprises, branch offices, and liaison/representative offices wishing to employ foreign nationals must apply to BIDA using their prescribed forms. BIDA follows specific guidelines when issuing work permits:

1. Eligibility: Only nationals from countries recognized by Bangladesh are considered for employment.
2. Approval and Registration: Employment of expatriate personnel is considered only in industrial/commercial establishments sanctioned or registered by the appropriate authority.
3. Availability of Local Expertise: Employment of foreign nationals is considered only for positions where local experts or technicians are unavailable.
4. Age Restriction: Persons below 18 years of age are not eligible for employment.
5. Board Approval: A decision by the board of directors of the concerned company is required for new employment or employment extension.
6. Employee Ratio: The number of foreign employees should not exceed 5% in the industrial sector and 20% in the commercial sector of the total workforce, including top management personnel.
7. Employment Term: Initial employment of foreign nationals is considered for a term of one year, extendable based on merit.
8. Security Clearance: Security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs is required.

Process of Issuing Work Permit by BIDA

Step 1: Publication of Newspaper Advertisement

Employers are typically required to publish a newspaper or online advertisement for the recruitment of local personnel before considering foreign nationals. This requirement may not always be mandatory but is encouraged to demonstrate efforts to hire locally.

We assist in publishing the required advertisement for local recruitment:

• Drafting and Publishing: Drafting the advertisement and ensuring it is published in a reputed newspaper or online platform.
• Documentation: Keeping a record of the advertisement for submission with the work permit application.

Step 2: Application for Issuance of E Visa Recommendation

The local sponsor (Liaison/Branch Office or local company) must apply to BIDA online for the issuance of an E visa recommendation for the desired foreign national. The following documents are usually required:

• Permission letter for branch/liaison/representative office or Memorandum of Articles of Association and Certificate of Incorporation for locally incorporated companies.
• Board Resolution for the employment of foreign nationals, mentioning the expatriate’s name, nationality, and passport number.
• Photograph of the expatriate.
• Copy of the expatriate’s passport (all used pages).
• Appointment letter, transfer order, or service contract for expatriates.
• Certificates of all academic qualifications and professional experience for the employees.
• Newspaper advertisement or online posting for local recruitment.
• Description of the company’s specific activities.
• Manpower statement showing the list of local and expatriate personnel with designation, salary, nationality, and date of first appointment.
• Encashment certificate of inward remittance of at least US $50,000 as initial establishment cost.
• Up-to-date income tax clearance certificate of the organization.
• Company’s comments as per any remarks.

Step 3: Application for E Visa at the Bangladesh Embassy or High Commission

After BIDA issues the E visa recommendation, the foreign national must apply for an E visa at the respective Bangladesh Embassy or High Commission. Upon issuance, the foreign national should enter Bangladesh with the E visa.

Step 4: Application for Work Permit in Bangladesh

Within 15 days of the foreign national’s arrival, an application for a work permit must be submitted to BIDA, accompanied by a fee of BDT 5,000. Required documents include:

• All documents from Step 2.
• Attested photocopy of the passport with the arrival stamp indicating the ‘E’ type visa.

Step 5: Security Clearance

After the work permit is issued, BIDA sends a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs for security clearance, involving further scrutiny before the clearance is issued.

Eligible Applicants for Work Permit/Employment Visa

Eligible persons for this category of visa include:

• Experts, advisers, or employees appointed in government, semi-government, autonomous bodies, projects, and equivalent organizations in Bangladesh.
• Individuals employed in local/foreign government, semi-government, liaison, industrial, commercial organizations, or equivalent entities in Bangladesh.
• Individuals working under local/foreign government or semi-government contracts in Bangladesh.
• Individuals intending to do honorary work (without salary) with registered NGOs in Bangladesh.

Duration and Extension of Work Permit/Employment Visa

• Initial Duration: A work permit/employment visa may be issued for up to three months with single, double, or multiple entries, allowing a maximum stay of 90 days per visit.
• Extension: Extensions up to three years can be obtained from the Department of Immigration and Passport (DIP) in Bangladesh. The validity of the visa starts from the date of issue, not the date of travel.

A List of available visas for foreigners in Bangladesh

Please be advised that the information outlined herein serves as general guidance. LegalSeba provides tailored advice that is specifically designed to meet the unique needs and compliance requirements of each individual case. Our recommendations are contingent upon the particular circumstances presented by each client, ensuring that all legal and regulatory obligations are duly considered and addressed.

Visa is usually issued by the Bangladesh High Commission/Embassy concerned and extended by the Department of Immigration and Passports, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

Professional Assistance by LegalSeba

At LegalSeba, we provide comprehensive support for obtaining work permits and employment visas for Bangladesh. Our services include:

• Detailed Consultation: Assessing your eligibility and understanding your specific needs.
• Application Assistance: Helping complete the online application and gathering necessary documents.
• Appointment Scheduling: Organizing and preparing for your consular appointment.
• Document Verification: Ensuring all documents are accurate and complete.
• Follow-up and Updates: Providing regular updates on the status of your application.
• Administrative Support: Assisting with any additional requirements, newspaper publication or interviews.

Choose LegalSeba.com for a hassle-free visa application experience. Contact us today to get started on your journey to working in Bangladesh.

• • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone/Whatsapp: +8801753718223

For more information on how LegalSeba.com can assist you with obtaining work permits and employment visas in Bangladesh, visit our website or reach out to our support team. Our expertise and comprehensive services will ensure your transition to working in Bangladesh is smooth and compliant with all regulatory requirements.

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