BD urges UK to ease visa process for seafarers

Bangladesh has called on the United Kingdom to simplify and accelerate visa procedures for Bangladeshi seafarers while seeking deeper cooperation and British investment in the maritime sector.

The request was made during a bilateral meeting in London on Thursday between Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam and UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, according to a Ministry of Shipping statement issued on Friday.

Rabiul urged the UK authorities to speed up the issuance of OK to Board clearance, transit visas and other travel documents required by Bangladeshi sailors working aboard international vessels.

He said a faster and more accessible process would benefit Bangladeshi seafarers, who form an important part of the country’s overseas workforce.

The minister also invited British businesses to invest in Bangladesh’s shipbuilding, marine engineering, port development, maritime transport and port-based industries.

He highlighted opportunities for expanding bilateral trade, transferring technology and developing public-private partnerships in the maritime sector.

During the meeting, Rabiul conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and said Bangladesh remained committed to democracy, accountability, good governance and the rule of law.

He thanked the UK for supporting Bangladesh during its democratic transition and expressed hope that cooperation between the two countries would expand across shipping, transport and trade.

Referring to the ship-recycling sector, the minister said Bangladesh was implementing the Hong Kong International Convention. Of the country’s 42 ship-recycling yards, 27 had already achieved international compliance, while the remaining facilities were being upgraded in phases.

Rabiul also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s support for the International Maritime Organization’s initiatives to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and promote sustainable shipping.

He said Bangladesh was working with international partners to adopt green maritime technologies despite contributing only a small share of global emissions.

The minister invited Alexander to visit Bangladesh.
Both sides reaffirmed their interest in strengthening cooperation in shipping, railways, transport, port development, trade and investment.