Home ministry tightens issuing on-arrival visas during election period

The home ministry has issued a circular directing authorities to tighten the issuance of visa-on-arrival and other visas for foreign nationals during the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum, aiming to ensure security.

The ministry’s Immigration-5 wing issued the circular, signed by Deputy Secretary Md Shafiqul Islam, on January 12.

It asked Bangladesh missions and embassies abroad to issue specific visas by strictly following the visa policy and later notifications, and by verifying required documents.

The circular said officials must thoroughly examine documents for visa-on-arrival applicants, including the purpose of the visit, sponsoring organisation or individual, hotel or accommodation details, and return ticket. In case of any irregularity, deviation or suspicion, the circular said, the visa must not be issued.

Foreign military and security personnel will require prior permission from the home ministry to enter Bangladesh, it reads.

For foreign observers and journalists coming to monitor the election and referendum, the circular said visa-on-arrival would be issued with an “election observation” seal for the election period determined by the Election Commission, based on recommendations from the commission and, where applicable, the foreign ministry and the information ministry.

It said visa fees may be waived for election observers on the Election Commission’s recommendation.

The circular also directed agencies at international airports as well as land and sea ports to strengthen coordination among the Special Branch, intelligence agencies and law enforcement during visa issuance and at the time of foreigners’ arrival and departure.

It further instructed Bangladesh missions abroad, the Department of Immigration and Passports, the Special Branch and authorities at international airports and land and sea ports to send detailed daily information on visas and foreigners’ movements to the home ministry in Excel format. The order will take effect immediately, the circular said.