Illegal foreign workers costing revenue

The government has initiated steps to identify foreign nationals residing and working in Bangladesh without valid work permits, amid concerns over revenue losses, visa violations and potential security risks.

Officials at the Home Ministry said the Department of Immigration and Passports and the Police Special Branch (SB) have begun preparing a centralised database of foreign nationals currently residing in the country. A visa monitoring system is also being developed to track compliance with immigration regulations. According to official records, around 8,500 Indian nationals are currently residing in Bangladesh through various visa categories. However, officials and analysts believe the actual number of foreigners working without valid permits may be significantly higher.

Law enforcement and ministry sources said some foreign nationals enter Bangladesh on tourist, business or other short-term visas and subsequently engage in employment without obtaining the required work authorisation.

Officials said such cases have been identified in several sectors, including garments and textiles, buying houses, information technology, multinational companies and development organisations.

Economists and labour market analysts argue that the employment of foreign nationals without proper documentation may affect local job opportunities, reduce potential tax revenues and facilitate unofficial cross-border fund transfers.

Home Ministry Additional Secretary Ziauddin Ahmed said authorities are collecting detailed information on foreign nationals staying in the country illegally.

“A joint team of the Department of Immigration and Passports and the Special Branch has prepared a preliminary list. Further verification is underway, and legal action will be taken in accordance with the law,” he said. He added that institutions found employing foreign nationals without valid permits could also face legal consequences. According to ministry sources, the government is considering stricter monitoring measures to ensure that individuals entering on short-term visas do not engage in unauthorised employment.

Meanwhile, border and diplomatic sources said Bangladesh has raised concerns with India regarding the repatriation of Indian nationals found to be staying illegally in Bangladesh. Officials said discussions on the issue are continuing through diplomatic channels.

Experts have called for stronger enforcement of immigration and labour regulations, including inspections of workplaces suspected of employing foreign nationals without proper authorisation.
A request for comment sent to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka did not receive a response.