NID Application for Expatriates – You Must Come to the Country if You Make a Mistake in the Application

NID Application for Expatriates. Expatriates seeking to obtain a National Identity (NID) card can now apply from six countries, including the UAE, under a program launched by the Bangladesh Election Commission.

This initiative allows expatriates to register for smart cards by submitting their applications at designated embassies. However, one significant caveat exists: if there is an error in the application, the applicant must return to Bangladesh to correct it.

Expats must attach six documents with the NID card application form, including a copy of their passport and dual citizenship certificate or approval letter from the Bangladesh Home Ministry.

In May this year, the Bangladesh Election Commission officially began the registration process for National Identity Cards for expatriates residing in the UAE. This move is part of a broader initiative to facilitate identity registration for Bangladeshis living abroad.

The registration process is currently being managed by the Bangladesh Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, where citizens can submit their applications along with the necessary biometric data.

So far, approximately 700 expatriates have completed their NID registration through these embassies. However, the process is not without its challenges, particularly concerning the correction of any errors in the application.

A significant issue that has arisen with the NID registration process is the inability to correct application errors from abroad. Once an expatriate submits their application, it is reviewed by a selection committee that verifies the information. If the application is approved, the applicant will receive their National Identity Card.

However, if there are errors or omissions in the application, there is currently no provision for making corrections from abroad. Expatriates who wish to rectify any mistakes must travel back to Bangladesh and reapply in person. This requirement presents a considerable inconvenience for many expatriates, as it involves additional time, effort, and expense.

To successfully register for a National Identity Card from abroad, the following requirements must be met:

To apply for a National Identity Card from abroad, expatriates must first confirm that the Bangladesh Embassy in their country has started the NID registration process. Once confirmed, the application process involves the following steps:

It is important to note that while there is no fee for the registration itself, an embassy service charge of 50 dirhams applies in the UAE.

The National ID card registration process for expatriates is currently available in the UK, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Maldives. Plans are in place to expand this service to approximately 40 other countries, based on the number of Bangladeshi expatriates residing there.

This initiative traces back to 2019, following instructions from the Prime Minister’s Office. The online voter registration process for expatriates was first launched on February 12, 2020, in the UK, setting the stage for broader international implementation.

While the introduction of NID registration for expatriates marks a significant step forward, the inability to correct application errors from abroad poses a notable challenge. As this service expands to more countries, addressing this issue will be crucial to ensure a smoother and more accessible process for all expatriates.