From this date forward, foreign investors and expatriate employees must exclusively submit their applications for security clearance through BIDA’s One Stop Service (OSS) Portal at https://bidaquickserv.org/. This reform is expected to significantly improve transparency and predictability in the process.
Mandatory Online Submission and Deemed Approval
The new mandate requires all foreign investors and employees to apply for security clearance through the BIDA OSS Portal for their work permits. A key feature of the new system is the ‘deemed as granted’ provision: if no objections are raised within 21 working days of submitting the application with all required documents, the security clearance will be automatically considered approved.
However, the announcement stressed the importance of timely submission. Failure to apply for the security clearance within the timeframe specified in the work permit will render the work permit invalid.
Officials Hail the Digital Transformation
Mr. Ashik Chowdhury, BIDA Executive Chairman, emphasized the benefits of the transition. “The digitization of the security clearance process will now allow investors to access a more transparent and predictable service,” he stated. “This will play an important role in making Bangladesh more investment-friendly.” He also extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Home Affairs for their cooperation and leadership in implementing the reform, considering investor perspectives.
Mr. Nasimul Ghani, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, echoed this sentiment, highlighting improved coordination. “The digitalized security clearance process will strengthen inter-agency coordination and make visa and work permit-related services easier for foreign investors,” he said. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with BIDA to further enhance the quality and efficiency of these essential services.
Further Digital Initiatives Underway
The move to a fully digital security clearance system is one of several reforms stemming from a high-level inter-agency meeting held at BIDA Headquarters on September 2, 2025. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Chowdhury and attended by Mr. Ghani, alongside representatives from the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP), law enforcement, and other investment promotion agencies.
Based on the decisions made, BIDA and its partner agencies are already working on several additional initiatives, expected to be completed by December 2025. These include: Digitalization of visa renewal and fee payment, Introduction of a new investor-friendly visa policy, Facilitation of online payment for visa-on-arrival fees, Establishment of an inter-operable inter-agency database.
These comprehensive measures demonstrate the government’s strong commitment to leveraging digital technology to ease doing business in Bangladesh and attract increased foreign direct investment.
