Cabinet committee formed to update 2006 visa policy

The government on Thursday formed a cabinet committee to amend the Visa Policy of 2006, with the aim of easing foreigners’ cross-boundary movement and attract foreign talent as well as investment.

The committee was constituted during a cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, at the Secretariat.

The committee would refine the draft Visa Policy 2026, which was tabled at the cabinet meeting, and will be led by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, it was decided.

The committee will recommend amendment to the existing visa policy to make the entry and departure of foreign nationals easier and more orderly.

Following the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani told reporters that the proposed Visa Policy 2026 seeks to attract foreign investment, promote international business, facilitate the entry of skilled professionals, encourage tourism and the hospitality sector, and strengthen technology and knowledge transfer.

The new policy also aims to maintain national security while ensuring an appropriate balance in international diplomatic relations, he said.

It will be guided by the principle of reciprocity in managing international travel and is intended to establish a modern, efficient, and service-oriented immigration framework, Nasimul Ghani added.

Ministry of Home Affairs will give secretarial support to the cabinet committee, he further said.