Are you someone looking to come to Bangladesh for work? In that case you will be needing a work permit visa that will indicate you have permission to stay in Bangladesh for work. The process to get a work permit visa in Bangladesh isn’t terribly complicated but it can be difficult for some to figure out.
Therefore we have created this guide which will make it very easy for you to get the visa. We will share all the documents you need and how to proceed with your visa application. So continue reading and figure out how you can start to work in Bangladesh.
Overview of Work Permit Visa in Bangladesh
Here is a complete overview of what a work permit visa in Bangladesh is all about. All information taken is backed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from Bangladesh and expert lawyers from Legal Advice BD.
Who is Eligible?
You might think that only people who are looking to work in Bangladesh are eligible for work permit visas. But there are others who are also eligible as well. Here is a list of who’s eligible for work permit visa in Bangladesh:
- Experts, Advisers, Employees, and Individuals Appointed in Government or Equivalent Organizations: This includes individuals who are appointed in government, semi-government, autonomous bodies, projects, or similar organizations in Bangladesh.
- Employees of Local/Foreign Government or Commercial Organizations: Individuals who are employed in local or foreign government, semi-government, liaison, industrial, commercial, or other equivalent organizations in Bangladesh are eligible.
- Individuals under Contractors: Those appointed under local or foreign government contractors or in equivalent organizations in Bangladesh are also eligible.
- Individuals Intending to Do Charity Work with Registered NGOs: Individuals who intend to engage in charity work without pay with registered NGOs in Bangladesh meet the eligibility criteria.
Work Permit Visa Duration
Once you get a work permit visa in Bangladesh it will stay valid for up to 3 months. The Bangladeshi work permit visa does come with single, double, or multiple entries but all of them allow for only 90 days of duration.
But with proper applications you can extend your stay. Three years is how long you can extend your stay. The permission for extension will come from the Department of Immigration and Passport (DIP) in Bangladesh.
Keep in mind the work permit visa validity will begin from the date of issue and not the date of travel.
Work Permit Visa Fees
The fees for work permit visas in Bangladesh depend on the visitor’s country and are non-refundable, even if the visa is denied. Different countries have to pay different amounts due to currency exchange rates.
When applying by post, include your passport and required documents, plus a self-addressed prepaid envelope. To get the visa by post, pay the fee by postal order or bank draft to the location of the Bangladeshi embassy or High Commission in your country. Allow at least 5 (five) working days for processing.
Following these steps ensures a smooth visa application process, letting foreigners acquire their Bangladesh work permits without trouble.
Work Permit Visa Processing Time
Different countries process work permit visas in Bangladesh at different speeds. Therefore the processing time can and will differ. Due to legal reasons the visa processing can’t be rushed. We recommend you only plan to come to Bangladesh once you have the work permit visa in hand.
Normally the work permit visa will take about seven working days to be processed. But in some cases it might take about 15 working days. Contact Legal Advice BD startup lawyers for more precise information.
Required Documents for Work Permit Visa in Bangladesh
- Printed copy of duly filled-in online VISA application form and signed accordingly;
- Recent passport size color photo- 2 (Two) copies with white background;
- Original Passport (valid at least for six months) with a photocopy of photo page;
- A Letter from concerned employers of Bangladesh including the applicant’s position in the organization.
- Appointment letter and contract papers, including full terms and conditions and salary details.
- Recommendation letter from the interested Ministry in Bangladesh/BOI/BEPZA
Process to Get A Work Permit Visa in Bangladesh
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs from Bangladesh has made the process of getting a work permit visa very simple. Here is the process of getting a work permit visa:
1. Fill Out Online Application Form
The applicant needs to visit the Department of Immigration & Passports website in Bangladesh to find the online visa application form. They must fill out the form completely and accurately.
2. Print Completed Form
After completing the online work permit application form, the applicant should print out a copy of the completed form for their records.
3. Submit Application and Required Documents
Applicants should then visit the embassy of Bangladesh or consulate in their country. They must bring the completed visa application form along with all required documents listed on the website. The work permit visa application fee varies based on the applicant’s country.
4. Employer Submission in Bangladesh
Upon arrival in Bangladesh, the employer will need to submit an application for a work permit on behalf of the employee. To do this, the employer must open an online account with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).
Common Issues With Getting A Work Permit Visa in Bangladesh
It’s quite common to get a work permit visa in Bangladesh, but it might involve certain problems. Here are the five most common ones we know of:
1. Language Barriers
Communication can be difficult for foreign workers who are not fluent in Bengali, the official language of Bangladesh. This language barrier may lead to misunderstandings during the visa application process or while interacting with employers and government officials.
2. Documentation Requirements
The documentation required for a work permit visa in Bangladesh can be extensive and confusing for applicants. Gathering and organizing all the necessary documents, such as educational certificates, employment contracts, and medical certificates, can be time-consuming and challenging.
3. Cultural Differences
Adapting to the cultural norms and practices in Bangladesh can be a significant challenge for foreign workers. Differences in work culture, social customs, and lifestyle may create discomfort or misunderstanding, affecting the overall experience of obtaining a work permit visa.
4. Legal Procedures
Following the legal procedures involved in obtaining a work permit visa, including understanding immigration laws and regulations, can be complex for foreign applicants. Lack of familiarity with the legal system in Bangladesh may result in delays or complications in the visa application process.
5. Processing Time
The work permit visa processing time in Bangladesh may vary, and delays are not uncommon. Applicants may experience frustration and uncertainty while waiting for their visa application to be processed, especially if there are additional administrative requirements or documentation checks.
Conclusion
As you can see the process of getting a work permit visa in Bangladesh isn’t that complicated. If you are eligible and have collected all the required documents you can start the process immediately. However, you should note that you might have to wait for some time because the processing time might differ.
Different countries also require you to pay a certain visa fee which might not be the same. Overall getting a work permit visa in Bangladesh isn’t that complicated. If you do encounter any legal or processing issue we recommend you contact Legal Advice BD for swift assistance.