Legal steps to be taken against foreigners living illegally in Bangladesh, home ministry warns
The government has warned that legal steps will be taken against foreign nationals living in Bangladesh illegally.
In an official circular released today, the home ministry asked all foreign nationals living in Bangladesh illegally to obtain legal permits to stay in the country.
Earlier on 8 December, the ministry decided to issue the circular after Home Affairs Adviser Lt Col (retd) Jahangir Alam expressed concern about foreigners staying and working illegally in Bangladesh.
"Complaints are being received from various sources that many foreign nationals are illegally staying in Bangladesh and illegally working in various institutions. All foreign nationals who are illegally staying or working in Bangladesh are requested to obtain legalisation with necessary documents to stay or work in Bangladesh immediately.
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"In this regard, all concerned departments/institutions are also requested to provide necessary cooperation. Otherwise, legal action will be taken against those staying illegally and the relevant institutions," reads the circular.
The circular was signed by Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Home Affairs Md Khoda Bakhsh Chowdhury and Senior Secretary of the home ministry's Security Services Division Mohammad Abdul Momen.
The circular was signed by Special Assistant to the chief adviser on Home Affairs Md Khoda Bakhsh Chowdhury and Senior Secretary of the home ministry's Security Services Division Mohammad Abdul Momen.
According to sources, many foreign nationals from India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and different African countries are currently living illegally in Bangladesh. Without legal permits, these foreign nationals are working in various sectors, including readymade garment, IT, hotel and development projects, after arriving on tourist visas.
