Immigration Law in Bangladesh and the United Kingdom

Immigration law governs the movement, status, rights, and obligations of individuals entering, residing in, or departing from a country. It sets out the regulatory framework for visas, residency permits, work authorizations, nationality rights, asylum protection, and related administrative processes. Across jurisdictions, immigration law is deeply intertwined with national security, diplomatic policy, labour market regulation, and humanitarian obligations. In Bangladesh, immigration and visa matters primarily fall under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), specifically through the Department of Immigration & Passports (DIP) and Special Branch (SB) of Police, operating in accordance with statutes including the Foreigners Act, 1946, Citizenship Act, 1951, Passport Act, 1920, and various Immigration Rules and executive circulars. While most immigration matters are administrative in nature, disputes or constitutional violations involving citizenship rights, deportation orders, blacklisting, or arbitrary denial of immigration facilities may be challenged before the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, typically through writ jurisdiction under Article 102 of the Constitution. Bangladesh's immigration framework governs entry visas (tourist, business, student, work permit endorsements), extensions of stay, exit permissions, blacklisting, deportation, and citizenship matters. Although the Ministry of Home Affairs is the primary authority, several specialised bodies play crucial roles: the Department of Immigration & Passports (DIP) handles passports, travel documents, NVRs for NRBs, and visa extensions; the Special Branch (SB) conducts security vetting for residence permits, work permits, and sensitive visa categories; and, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) along with Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) issue work permits for foreign employees in industrial and commercial establishments. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) — manages diplomatic and official visas and coordinates with foreign missions. In cases involving unlawful detention of foreign nationals, refusal of entry, deportation without lawful grounds, cancellation of visas, or violation of constitutional guarantees of equal protection, matters frequently reach the High Court Division, where the legality of administrative orders is tested. Courts apply principles of natural justice, proportionality, and statutory compliance when reviewing executive actions. In the United Kingdom, immigration law is primarily governed by the Immigration Act 1971, Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, Borders Act 2007, the Immigration Rules, and Home Office policy guidance. The Home Office, through UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), manages visa processing, appeals systems, settlement applications, asylum procedures, and enforcement actions. Judicial oversight is exercised by the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration & Asylum Chamber), the Upper Tribunal, and the higher courts when necessary.