Currently, the Bangladesh passport application and renewal processes are quite simple. Like the locals, the Bangladeshi expatriates are also benefitting from the centralized hybrid application system. In this article, we will take a look at how can Bangladeshi expatriates residing in a foreign country apply for passport renewal. 

Passport Renewal: MRP to E-passport 

Assuming that the expatriate is already residing in a foreign country, and s/he already has a passport. Handwritten passports were last issued in 2010, with MRP replacing them in the same year. As an expatriate, you are most likely to hold an MRP because each passport has a maximum validity of 10 years. 

Now the question is, should the expatriate renew his or her MRP to MRP or e-passport? For local applications, the government has stopped issuing the MRP, with e-passports being available at every regional passport office in Bangladesh. As a result, there is no longer scope for MRP-to-MRP renewal.

For expatriates, if the Bangladesh mission abroad - where the expatriate is currently residing - supports e-passports, then s/he should go for the e-passport renewal option.

However, e-passport is still not available at every Bangladeshi mission abroad. In that case, if the embassy doesn’t support e-passports, then the expatriates can go for the MRP option. 

Read More: How to Get E-Passport in Bangladesh: Things you need to know

Step-by-Step Process of Bangladesh Passport Renewal Application

The application process for renewing a Bangladesh passport is a hybrid one. The Bangladeshi expatriate needs to fill out an online application form and then make an appointment with the relevant Bangladeshi mission in the expatriate's country of residence. In case there is no Bangladeshi mission, the application will be handled by a partnering mission in Bangladesh.  

A detailed outline of the online application can be found in our passport renewal process article. But since there are some key changes in information input, we will cover the steps again. 

Step 1: Location Registration  

The first thing to do is to visit the online passport application portal. Here the Bangladeshi expatriate needs to register an account. But before that, the expatriate needs to fill out some basic information regarding the passport. 

On the prompt “Are you applying from Bangladesh?”, the Bangladeshi expatriate needs to select “No.” After that, the expatriate will have to select the country of his or her current residence. From there, the relevant Bangladeshi mission or a partnering mission will be selected automatically, which will process the passport renewal application. 

Read More: E-Passport for Children in Bangladesh: Application process, necessary documents

Step 2: Account Registration

The second step is to register an account on the e-passport web portal using your e-mail. Here the expatriate has to input his/her name and e-mail address. Here the expatriate should make sure that the given name and surname match his or her existing passport/NID/BRC. The expatriate will also need to input his/ her contact details here. 

After that, an activation e-mail will be sent to your registered mail. From there, the expatriate will be able to start the application process. 

Step 3: Form Fill-Up 

The next step is a long one. This is also the step where the Bangladeshi expatriate needs to be most careful as the expatriate will have to correctly input a lot of information. Here’s what the expatriate will need to fill up. 

Personal Credentials 

The first section is related to personal credentials. Here the expatriate will outline all his or her information step by step. The applicant must make sure that the information she or he provides is in line with the NID/BRC information. 

The expatriate will also need to specify the country of birth if she or he was born outside of Bangladesh. You will also need to outline the means of your nationality (eg. By birth or by naturalization). 

Read More: Bangladesh Passport Renewal Process: How to renew MRP, Handwritten Passport

Address Information 

The next step is to input address details. There are two distinct parts here, permanent and present address. 

If the applicant is a Bangladeshi by birth, then the expatriate will need to input a permanent residence address in Bangladesh. The present address should be the expatriate's current location from where she or he is applying for renewal. 

Passport Information

In this step, the expatriate will need to provide details of his or her NID/BRC as well as the existing passport. You will also need to select why you are applying for a new passport. In this case, you will need to select either “expired” or “e-passport conversion”. 

Parental and Spouse Information 

In the next step, the expatriate will need to provide his or her parental information. This is a highly detailed section where you will need to fill out their personal details, address, and profession. 

If the expatriate is married, then s/he will also need to input the same information for your spouse. 

Read More: Bangladeshi passport’s ranking improves in 2023, still behind Iran and Sri Lanka as per Henley Index

Emergency Contact 

The Bangladeshi expatriate will need to set an emergency contact as well. It is better to select someone from the same country the expatriate resides in. The first step is to select the relationship the expatriate shares with that person. After that, the expatriate will have to fill out their details in the same way as parental information.

After all the information has been correctly input, the expatriate will need to submit the application and pay the application fee. 

Passport Fee and pages 

The new e-passport is available in either 48 or 64 pages. The Bangladeshi expatriate will also get two validity options at either 5 or 10 years. The fee structure for expatriates varies depending on the location of the expatriate. 

Appointment at Mission 

After completing the online application and fee payment, the Bangladeshi expatriate will need to download the application form and the application summary. Both these pdf documents can be found on your applicant’s dashboard. 

After that, the expatriate will need to schedule an appointment with your designated mission for biometric verification. The expatriate should make sure to take the two printed documents with him or her for verification purposes. 

Read More: Bangladesh E-passport Error Correction Process

Final Words 

Even a few years ago, the passport renewal process in Bangladesh was quite hectic and tedious. The process was completely analog with a spur of middlemen creating hindrances at every step. But with the introduction of the hybrid application system, the process has become easier for everyone. It has reduced complicacy, streamlined processes, and made every step more efficient. 

The passport renewal process for Bangladeshi expatriates has also become seamless and easy. With proper application and delivery options, an applicant can get a renewed passport at the earliest. This was previously a very tedious and time-consuming aspect. This is certainly a step towards efficient bureaucracy.