Work Permit VISA In Bangladesh
Work Permit Visa in Bangladesh
A Work Permit Visa is required for foreign nationals who intend to work in Bangladesh. This visa is granted by the Department of Immigration and Passports under the Ministry of Home Affairs, following the rules and regulations stipulated by the government of Bangladesh. The Work Permit Visa is essential for foreign employees who are hired by Bangladeshi companies, as it allows them to live and work legally within the country.
Here’s a breakdown of the process, requirements, and details for obtaining a Work Permit Visa in Bangladesh:
Types of Work Permits in Bangladesh
General Work Permit
This visa is issued to foreign nationals who are employed by a Bangladeshi company or organization in various sectors such as business, manufacturing, technology, and more.
Employment-Based Work Visa
Foreigners who have received an employment offer from a Bangladeshi company can apply for an employment-based work visa.
Special Work Permit
Some foreign nationals, especially those in specialized fields (e.g., high-level executives, consultants), may require a specialized work permit.
Eligibility Requirements for Work Permit Visa
Job Offer from a Bangladeshi Employer
The applicant must have a valid job offer or contract from a Bangladeshi employer. The company must be registered with the Department of Immigration and Passports and other regulatory authorities.
Required Skills and Expertise
Foreign workers must demonstrate that their skills and expertise are required for the job and are not readily available in the local workforce. This is often a key consideration for issuing work permits.
No Impact on Local Employment
The foreigner’s employment should not negatively affect the local job market, particularly for positions that could be filled by qualified Bangladeshi nationals.
Health Requirements
Applicants must be physically fit and not have any contagious diseases. A medical check-up may be required for some visa categories.
Documents Required for Work Permit Visa
Application Form
A completed application form for a work permit, which can be obtained from the Department of Immigration and Passports.
Passport
A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining.
Job Offer Letter
A letter from the Bangladeshi employer stating the applicant's job title, salary, duration of employment, and job description.
Educational and Professional Qualifications
Copies of the applicant’s educational certificates and professional qualifications to show that they meet the qualifications required for the job.
Company Registration Documents
The Bangladeshi employer’s registration documents, including the Trade License and VAT Registration.
Work Permit Application Form
This is a form that must be submitted along with the required documents. The form is typically completed by the employer and submitted to the authorities.
Health Clearance
A certificate proving the applicant is in good health and free from infectious diseases.
Photographs
Passport-sized photographs of the applicant.
Police Clearance Certificate
Some applicants may need to provide a police clearance certificate from their home country to show they have no criminal record.
Process for Obtaining a Work Permit Visa
Obtain a Job Offer
The applicant must secure a job offer from a Bangladeshi company that is willing to sponsor the work permit.
Employer Submits Work Permit Application
The employer submits an application to the Department of Immigration and Passports or Ministry of Home Affairs, including all required documents, such as the job offer letter, proof of registration, and the applicant’s qualifications.
Approval from Ministry of Labor and Employment
Before the visa can be issued, the Ministry of Labor and Employment reviews the application to ensure the job complies with the labor market needs and that it is not displacing local workers.
Visa Issuance
After obtaining approval from the Ministry of Labor, the applicant can apply for the work visa at the Bangladesh Embassy or Consulate in their home country. Once the work permit is approved, the applicant will be issued a work permit visa, allowing them to enter Bangladesh.
Final Registration in Bangladesh
Upon arrival in Bangladesh, the applicant must finalize their work permit registration with the Department of Immigration and Passports. This may include biometric data collection and a physical examination.
Work Permit Visa Duration
- The work permit visa is typically issued for 1 to 2 years.
- It is renewable upon the expiry of the visa if the foreign national remains employed with the same employer.
- The visa validity depends on the contract between the foreign worker and the Bangladeshi employer.
Renewal of Work Permit Visa
- Application Process: To renew a work permit visa, the applicant must submit a renewal application to the relevant authorities before the visa expires.
- Documents Required for Renewal:
- A valid passport with remaining validity.
- Employment confirmation from the employer.
- A copy of the expired work permit.
- Any other supporting documents requested by the immigration office.
- Timing: It is advised to apply for renewal at least 2 to 3 months before the visa expiration.
Key Considerations
Salary and Qualifications
Foreign workers are generally expected to have a higher level of expertise and be compensated in line with the skills they bring to the job. The government monitors the wages and qualifications to ensure fairness.
Temporary Workers
If the foreign worker is employed temporarily, the employer may be able to issue a temporary work permit visa, which is valid for a shorter duration.
Family Members
In some cases, foreign employees may bring their dependents to Bangladesh. Dependents must apply for a visa separately.
Penalty for Illegal Work
Working without a valid work permit in Bangladesh can lead to serious penalties, including fines, deportation, and blacklisting from future immigration opportunities.