BIDA Brings Digital Security Clearance for Foreign Investors and Workers
The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) is set to introduce an online security clearance process for foreign investors and foreign workers seeking work permits. The service will be launched in mid-September through BIDA’s One Stop Service (OSS) portal.
Once the required documents are properly submitted through the portal, the security agency will complete its verification within 21 working days. If not completed within the timeframe, the application will automatically be considered as having “no security objection,” allowing visa extensions to proceed.
The decision was finalized on Tuesday, September 2, during an inter-agency meeting held at BIDA’s office in Agargaon, chaired by BIDA Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury and attended by Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Ghani. Representatives from the Department of Immigration and Passports, law enforcement bodies, and investment agencies also participated.
According to the meeting’s resolutions, the renewal of visas and payment of visa fees for foreign workers and investors will be digitized, eliminating the need for in-person submissions. A new investor-friendly visa policy will be introduced soon, while fees for visas on arrival will also be payable online.
It was further decided that an inter-agency interoperable database will be developed to better monitor the arrival and stay of foreign nationals and enhance information exchange.
BIDA Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury described the move as “a groundbreaking step,” adding that digitalizing the security clearance will ensure greater transparency for investors. He further noted, “By December, it will be possible to implement additional reforms relating to work permits and visas.”
He also stated that just as BIDA holds monthly coordination meetings with the National Board of Revenue and Bangladesh Bank, from now on, monthly meetings will also be organized with agencies related to security clearance and work permits to prevent any service-related uncertainty.
