Dhaka urges Australia to ease visa procedures for Bangladeshis

Dhaka has urged the Australian envoy to advocate for the establishment of an Australian visa processing facility in Bangladesh and to work towards easing visa procedures for Bangladeshi nationals.

The request was made during a farewell courtesy call by Acting High Commissioner of Australia to Bangladesh, Nardia Simpson, on Foreign Secretary Ambassador Md Jashim Uddin at his office on Thursday, according to a press release from the Foreign Ministry.

During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary praised Simpson for her efforts in strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Australia.

He particularly highlighted the successful convening of the fifth round of Senior Officials’ Talks and the Joint Working Group Meeting under the TIFA framework.

The Foreign Secretary also noted the recent visit of the Australian Home Minister, which he said significantly contributed to consolidating ties between the two countries.

He emphasized the importance of holding regular dialogues under the agreed bilateral frameworks.

In response, Simpson reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to its strong partnership with Bangladesh and emphasized the high importance the Australian government attaches to this relationship.

She expressed her appreciation for Bangladesh’s steadfast commitment and actions in combating human trafficking and assured that she would continue advocating at Australia’s Headquarters to address visa and consular issues upon her return.

The discussions also included areas of collaboration such as education, skills development and the Rohingya crisis.

Source: BSS