In response to strict directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, 12,000 foreign nationals residing illegally in Bangladesh left the country between December 8 and January 31 after obtaining exit visas.
These individuals had been staying in Bangladesh without valid documentation.
According to official sources, these foreign nationals departed through Dhaka, Sylhet, and Chittagong airports, as well as various land ports, paying approximately Tk15 crore in fines for their illegal stay.
Despite this, around 33,000 foreign nationals continue to reside in the country without proper authorization.
A Home Ministry official said about 4,500 foreign nationals have applied for legal residency through different agencies. However, this number is significantly lower than the total number of illegal residents. The applications are currently under review.
To address the issue, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday announced the formation of an 11-member task force to determine appropriate measures against illegal residents.
The committee is responsible for coordinating efforts and providing recommendations regarding the handling of illegal foreign nationals in Bangladesh.
Earlier, on January 14, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a warning stating that legal actions would be taken against undocumented foreign nationals after January 31, in accordance with the law.