The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment has undertaken several initiatives to print and distribute machine-readable passports (MRP) for Bangladeshi expatriates residing in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, according to Professor Asif Nazrul, adviser to the ministry.
Asif Nazrul addressed expatriates through a live broadcast on his verified Facebook page, acknowledging the severe issues with passport issuance on Wednesday (11 December).
“We are aware of the significant problems with machine-readable passports. From 15 December, expatriates will begin receiving their MRPs. Within the next three to four weeks, all applicants awaiting MRPs will have their passports delivered," he added.
Priority is being given to expatriates in Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, followed by other countries with high demand.
Asif Nazrul assured that this backlog will be cleared within the stipulated timeframe of three to four weeks.
He also emphasised that the current printing capacity ensures that such crises will not recur in the next two to three years.
“An unprecedented number of MRPs are being printed, addressing the needs of expatriates for the foreseeable future,” he remarked.
Asif Nazrul expressed regret over the hardships faced by expatriates due to delays.
“We sincerely apologise for the distress caused. However, I must humbly point out that this issue stems from the negligence during the tenure of the previous authoritarian government,” he added.
The initiative aims to alleviate the struggles endured by expatriates and restore trust in the passport issuance process.
