Bangladesh to pursue legal action against undocumented foreign nationals

The Government of Bangladesh is preparing to take action against foreign nationals residing illegally in the country. The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a notice, instructing these individuals to regularize their status by 31 January 2025. Those who fail to comply will face arrest and legal consequences.

Official government figures estimate that around 120,000 foreign nationals are in Bangladesh, although the actual number is believed to be between 400,000 and 500,000, with a significant portion being Indian citizens. Many of these individuals are suspected of engaging in various criminal activities. Currently, 472 foreign nationals are incarcerated for offenses such as drug trafficking, fraud, currency counterfeiting, illegal VoIP operations, gold smuggling, online gambling, and human trafficking. Others are reportedly employed in private institutions without proper authorization, evading taxes, and sending remittances through informal channels. The absence of a comprehensive database and legal loopholes have allowed these individuals to reside in the country without facing major challenges.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has urged all foreign nationals living or working illegally in Bangladesh to obtain the necessary documentation before the 31 January deadline. Relevant departments and institutions have been tasked with assisting in this process. Legal action will be taken against those who remain undocumented after the deadline, as well as against the institutions employing them.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has emphasized that no foreign national will be allowed to stay in Bangladesh unlawfully. The government is preparing to launch nationwide operations to identify and take action against illegal foreign residents. This includes updating records of foreign nationals and ensuring that those working or doing business in Bangladesh are properly documented and taxed.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has stressed that this is a routine procedure aimed at maintaining law and order and ensuring all foreign nationals comply with Bangladeshi laws and regulations. Foreign nationals are encouraged to take immediate steps to regularize their status to avoid legal complications.