Guwahati: The interim government of Bangladesh has issued a firm ultimatum to foreigners residing illegally in the country, urging them to obtain valid visas by January 31, 2025.
Failure to comply will lead to strict legal measures, including potential deportation.
The directive was announced by Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd.) Jahangir Alam during his visit to the central Passport Office in Dhaka on Monday.
Speaking to reporters, Alam expressed concern over the significant number of foreign nationals currently residing in Bangladesh without valid visas, with some even participating in the local workforce without proper authorisation.
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Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Alam emphasized that the January 31 deadline is non-negotiable.
“We are giving these individuals ample time to regularize their status. If they fail to obtain valid visas within this timeframe, we will have no choice but to take legal action,” he said.
Such actions, he added, may include deportation to their respective home countries.
Although Alam did not explicitly identify the nationalities of the individuals involved, he pointed to a critical issue involving Rohingyas.
Many members of this community, originally granted temporary refuge in Bangladesh after fleeing violence and persecution in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, have reportedly secured Bangladeshi passports through fraudulent means.
This has added complexity to the immigration challenge and raised concerns about the misuse of the country’s systems.
This directive comes amid Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to manage the influx of refugees and tighten immigration controls.
The government’s move reflects its determination to uphold the integrity of its immigration system and address the broader challenges associated with undocumented foreign residents.
The Rohingya crisis, in particular, remains a pressing issue.
Over one million Rohingya refugees currently reside in overcrowded camps in southeastern Bangladesh.
While the government has extended humanitarian support to these individuals, reports of fraudulent documentation have underscored the need for stricter measures.
The ultimatum serves as a clear warning to all undocumented foreigners in Bangladesh.
The government is resolute in its approach to maintain law and order, regulate immigration, and prevent any exploitation of the nation’s administrative systems.
