Fake Work Permits Jeopardise Bangladeshi Workers’ Future in Europe

Bangladesh’s labor market in two Eastern European countries — Serbia and North Macedonia — is facing serious risks as a surge in fake work permits has been detected in visa applications submitted by Bangladeshi workers.

Recently, the embassies of both nations identified numerous instances of fraudulent work permits being used in visa applications. In response, they have halted the issuance of work permits to Bangladeshi applicants. Officials have warned that if such practices persist, they may move to suspend visa processing for Bangladeshi citizens altogether.

Diplomatic sources reveal that nearly 90% of the work permits submitted to the North Macedonian embassy by Bangladeshi applicants were found to be fake — a situation mirrored in Serbia. Both countries have refrained from issuing work permits to Bangladeshis for the past two months, yet fake documents continue to surface in new applications. If the trend continues, a complete ban on work visas for Bangladeshi nationals could soon follow.

In a recent incident, North Macedonian police arrested four members of a Bangladeshi human trafficking ring, including two from Brahmanbaria and one from Sylhet. The arrests were discussed at the country’s National Security Council, where it was decided that the offenders would face imprisonment or deportation after trial.

Meanwhile, both embassies have reported that fraudulent groups are not only forging work permits but also producing counterfeit Serbian visa stickers, deceiving both job seekers and authorities. These criminal networks are exploiting workers’ aspirations by extorting large sums of money, ultimately undermining Bangladesh’s reputation in overseas labor markets.

To legally send a worker abroad, a valid work permit, visa, and BMET Smart Card issued by the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training are required. Fraud rings, however, first generate fake work permits to apply for visas. When applications are rejected, they create forged visa stickers, attach them to passports, and secure BMET Smart Cards using the falsified documents. Many victims are stopped at immigration due to these fake visas.

Investigations show that these syndicates often target Bangladeshi expatriates in the Middle East and other regions through social media, luring them with promises of lucrative jobs and a better life.

One victim, Majedul Islam, recounted his experience: “Last May, I applied online for a worker visa to Serbia. My application was pending for months. Recently, the agency changed my login password, claiming they would provide approval and a sticker visa within a month.”

Authorities confirmed the visa was never approved, as it was based on a fake permit. Fraudsters are now attempting to extort additional money by issuing false approval letters and visas.

When contacted, Slobodan Uzunov, the North Macedonian ambassador in New Delhi (also accredited to Bangladesh), said: “For the last two months, North Macedonia has not issued any work permits to Bangladeshis. Yet some dishonest groups continue submitting fake applications. If this does not stop, we will have no choice but to suspend visa issuance for Bangladeshi citizens entirely.”