Cabinet committee formed to revise 2006 visa policy

The government on Thursday formed a cabinet committee to revise the 2006 Visa Policy in a move aimed at facilitating the cross-border movement of foreign nationals and attracting foreign investment, skilled professionals and tourists.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat.

The committee, headed by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, will review and refine the draft Visa Policy 2026 presented at the meeting before recommending amendments to the existing policy.

Its mandate is to propose changes that would make the entry and departure of foreign nationals smoother and more streamlined.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani said the proposed Visa Policy 2026 is designed to attract foreign investment, promote international trade and business, facilitate the arrival of skilled professionals, encourage tourism and the hospitality industry, and strengthen technology and knowledge transfer.

He said the policy also seeks to safeguard national security while maintaining a balanced approach to international diplomatic relations.

According to the cabinet secretary, the revised policy will be based on the principle of reciprocity in regulating international travel and aims to establish a modern, efficient and service-oriented immigration system.

Nasimul Ghani added that the Ministry of Home Affairs will provide secretarial support to the cabinet committee.