BB directs banks to open accounts for foreign workers
Foreign nationals working in Bangladesh under the ‘A3’ visa category, as well as other Employment Visa categories, can receive their salaries and allowances through bank accounts.
The Bangladesh Bank (BB) has directed all scheduled banks to facilitate the opening of bank accounts for foreign nationals working in Bangladesh under Employment Visa categories, subject to compliance with applicable know-your-customer (KYC) requirements.
The directive was issued in a circular by the Banking Regulation and Policy Department-1 of the central bank today (18 August).
According to the circular, foreign nationals working in Bangladesh under the 'A3' visa category, as well as other Employment Visa categories, can receive their salaries and allowances through bank accounts.
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The central bank said the Ministry of Home Affairs, in a circular issued on 19 April 2026, clarified that foreign nationals entering Bangladesh under the A3 visa category must obtain a work permit from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) and renew the permit within its validity period.
The terms and conditions of the work permit require employers to pay the salaries and allowances of foreign workers through banks, the circular said.
Against this backdrop, the central bank instructed banks to take necessary steps to open bank accounts for foreign nationals holding valid work permits under the A3 or other Employment Visa categories, subject to fulfilment of applicable KYC requirements.
The directive was issued under the authority vested in Bangladesh Bank under Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991.
The circular was issued to the managing directors and chief executive officers of all scheduled banks.
