‘Probashi Card’ to be started in August
The government is set to launch the much-awaited ‘Probashi Card’ (Expatriate Card) on a trial basis this coming August for Bangladeshis working abroad. A target has been set to distribute these cards to 50,000 expatriates by December and to a total of 200,000 by June of next year.
In the first phase, it will be distributed in the form of debit cards through the state-owned Janata Bank. Subsequently, the card will be rolled out in stages to expatriate Bangladeshis residing in various countries around the world.
Relevant government officials have stated that the primary objective of launching the ‘Expatriate Card’ is to establish an integrated digital identity system for Bangladeshis working abroad and to facilitate access to banking, government, and welfare services. At the same time, a key aim of this initiative is to further encourage expatriates to send remittances through legal channels.
What is the Expatriate Card?
The Expatriate Card will be a type of smart digital identity card that serves not only to verify identity but also as a means to access various financial and government services. Scanning the QR code on the card will reveal the cardholder’s essential information. Additionally, a digital version will be accessible via a mobile app, eliminating the need to carry the physical plastic card at all times. What benefits will you receive?
A key feature of this card is its financial management capability. Here are the special benefits available to expatriates:
Dual-currency and online shopping: This card integrates a modern banking payment gateway. Consequently, expatriates can make purchases or incur expenses in the currency of their host country as well as in Bangladeshi Taka. Additionally, they can make purchases for family members back home—up to a specified limit—directly from abroad.
Airport Lounge and Discounts: Cardholders will receive special protocol services at airports, access to airport lounges, and discounts on air tickets and hotel stays.
‘Probashi City’ and Housing Benefits: They will be granted priority and special benefits when purchasing housing or plots under the ‘Probashi City’ projects being developed in divisional and district towns.
BMET Insurance and Rehabilitation Benefits: BMET insurance coverage, financial compensation, social security benefits, and additional government incentives on remittances will remain in effect.
Who will receive it first?
In the first phase, expatriates registered with the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) will be issued the ‘Expatriate Card’ on a priority basis. They will be able to obtain the card through a new registration process after updating the necessary information.
Those who already possess a BMET card may not be required to pay a new registration fee; however, new applicants might have to pay the prescribed government fee.
How will the distribution be carried out?
If the pilot program proves successful, the cards will be delivered to expatriates in phases through Bangladesh embassies and missions across the globe.
Meanwhile, the government is also working to bring under this program those Bangladeshis who initially went abroad on student, dependent, or other visas and subsequently entered the workforce but do not possess a BMET card.
