For a modern consulate

We, the Bangladeshis working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), sometimes have to visit the Bangladesh Consulate office in Dubai to renew passports. The expatriates have to go there taking a day's leave and unless the formality is completed in a day, they have to sacrifice another day's wage to receive passport. The workers are not told in advance how much they would have to pay as renewal fees. When I did not have required amount as renewal fee, I wanted to pay it using debit card but the authorities declined to receive non-cash payment. An expatriate worker who seeks renewal of passport should be informed early with a short text message (SMS) for avoiding hassle. The authorities may also send the passports to addresses of the workers who are ready to bear the cost of courier.

Zahedul Alam

Sharjah, UAE