BIDA Brings Digital Security Clearance for Work Permits
The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) is set to fully digitize the “security clearance” process for newly issued work permits, effective October 1. From now on, foreign investors and expatriate employees will be required to submit their security clearance applications against work permits exclusively through BIDA’s One Stop Service (OSS) portal.
All foreign investors and workers must apply for security clearance via the OSS portal. Upon verification, if no objections are raised within 21 working days, the clearance will be deemed granted. However, if the employing organization fails to apply for security clearance within the stipulated time mentioned in the work permit, the permit will be automatically canceled.
BIDA’s Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury stated, “As the security clearance process goes digital, investors will now enjoy faster, more transparent, and reliable services. We believe this reform will play a vital role in making Bangladesh more investment-friendly. We extend our special gratitude to the Ministry of Home Affairs for its cooperation in implementing this crucial step with the investors’ perspective and convenience in mind.”
Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nasimul Ghani, remarked, “The digitalized security clearance process will strengthen inter-agency coordination and further streamline visa and work permit services for foreign investors. The Ministry of Home Affairs will continue its regular coordination with BIDA to ensure consistent improvement in service quality and efficiency.”
Earlier, on September 2, 2025, BIDA hosted a high-level inter-agency meeting at its headquarters, chaired by Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury and attended by Senior Secretary Nasimul Ghani. Officials from the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP), law enforcement agencies, and representatives from investment development bodies were also present.
Based on the meeting’s decisions, initiatives are underway to digitize visa renewal and fee payment processes, introduce a new investor-friendly visa policy, enable online payment for visa-on-arrival fees, and establish an interoperable inter-agency database. These reforms are expected to be completed by December this year.
