The United States has temporarily suspended immigrant visas for applicants from Bangladesh and 74 other countries. Effective from January 21, the restriction has been imposed citing concerns that a large number of immigrants from these countries rely on government benefits instead of entering the workforce. While the policy aims to reduce dependence on US public assistance, its immediate impact is far more personal. It has placed the American dream of thousands of families on hold.
Non-immigrant visas such as student, tourist, and work visas are not affected by the immigrant visa suspension. However, B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas under the non-immigrant category for citizens of Bangladesh and 37 other countries now fall under a newly expanded visa bond requirement. Under this policy, applicants are required to deposit a refundable bond of $5,000 to $15,000 as a financial guarantee that they will comply with visa conditions and not overstay their authorised period of stay. The exact bond amount is determined during the visa interview and is refundable if the holder adheres to visa rules.
Bangladeshis are facing tighter visa regimes not only in the United States but also across many other overseas destinations. Australia has placed Bangladesh in its highest-risk category for student visas, citing "emerging integrity issues" and concerns over fraud. Canada, meanwhile, has sharply reduced visa approvals after placing Bangladesh on its high-risk or "red list," with official data showing a 61 percent decline in approvals in recent months. Some countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia are reportedly imposing informal restrictions on the issuance of visas to Bangladeshi nationals. What compounded the problem is India's visa restriction as several European countries do not have embassies in Dhaka. Their visas are issued through embassies in New Delhi. Despite the government's effort, there has been no progress in relocating European visa centres in Dhaka.
As a growing number of countries impose visa restrictions or tighten entry procedures, the consequences extend far beyond individual travel inconvenience. It is a direct blow to the country's brand value and global credibility. It undermines investor confidence and constrains higher education opportunities, labour mobility and foreign trade.
So, why is this happening? Why the gateway to the world is getting increasingly narrow for us?
Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain recently said, "First and foremost, we must put our own house in order." He indicated that the widespread practice of forging documents, a manpower export process riddled with malpractice and exploitation, and a culture of flouting visa rules abroad have been largely responsible for creating a negative image of Bangladeshis.
The widespread tendency towards forgery and non-compliance has also resulted in the weak international standing of the Bangladeshi passport. According to the January 2026 edition of the Henley Passport Index, it has once again been ranked the seventh weakest globally, allowing its holders to travel to only 37 out of 227 destinations without a prior visa.
It is therefore essential for the relevant authorities to address this issue with urgency. Taking exemplary action against recruiting agencies that send people overseas through illegal means and fake papers is of paramount importance. Political stability and a return to elected government may improve bilateral relations with some countries, but restoring global confidence requires structural reforms and good governance. After the upcoming parliamentary elections, one of the main tasks of the new government would be rebuilding Bangladesh's international reputation. There must be a robust digital mechanism to verify the authenticity of documents submitted either by outbound workers or students. Every act of forgery or malpractice not only damages the country's reputation but also limits the opportunities of those aspiring to study or work abroad.
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