Work Permit VISA is mandatory for every foreign national seeking employment in Bangladesh. Three government authorities issue a work permit in Bangladesh.
01. For private sector industrial enterprise, branch office and liaison office, outside of Export Processing Zone (EPZ) – Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).
02. For employment of foreign national in the EPZ– Bangladesh Expor
t Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA).
03. For employment of foreign national in any NGO – NGO Affairs Bureau. Private sector industrial enterprises, branch office, liaison/representative office desiring to employ foreign nationals are required to apply to BIDA in their prescribed form. While issuing a work permit, BIDA usually follows the following guidelines:
01. Only nationals of countries recognized by Bangladesh are considered for employment.
02. Employment of expatriate personnel is considered only in industrial/commercial establishments which are sanctioned/registered by the appropriate authority.
03. Employment of foreign nationals is normally considered for the job for which local experts/technicians are not available.
04. Persons below 18 years of age are not eligible for employment.
05. A decision of the board of directors of the concerned company for new employment/employment extension is to be furnished in each case.
06. The number of foreign employees should not exceed 5% in the industrial sector and 20% in the commercial sector of the total employees, including top management personnel.
07. Initially, employment of any foreign national is considered for a term of one year, which may be extended on the basis of merit of the case.
08. Security clearance will be required from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Extension of Visas: Visas can be extended after arrival in Bangladesh. For details, please contact Department of Immigration & Passports, Dhaka.
