NID Activities to Expand in 10-12 More Countries by December 2025

NID Activities to Expand in 10-12 More Countries by December 2025. The government of Bangladesh is taking another significant step in connecting expatriate Bangladeshis with the homeland by expanding the National Identity Card (NID) Registration Program to 10–12 more countries by December 2025. According to NID Director General ASM Humayun Kabir, preparations are underway, and discussions with embassies and foreign ministries are progressing, ensuring a smoother and wider rollout of this essential service for non-resident Bangladeshis.

NID Registration for Expatriate Bangladeshis

The NID Registration Division under the Bangladesh Election Commission has already activated NID services in 9 countries, with 16 operational registration stations. This initiative is helping expatriates access official services such as passport renewal, visa processing, property registration, and banking services, all of which require a valid Bangladesh NID.

Currently, many Bangladeshis living abroad lack access to a valid National Identity Card, a vital document for authentication both within Bangladesh and internationally. Expanding this initiative is expected to benefit thousands of expatriates who seek to stay connected with national services.

Countries with Active NID Stations

As of now, NID registration is active in the following countries:

• United Arab Emirates (UAE): 19,197 applications received; 9,423 registrations completed.
• Saudi Arabia: 3,554 applications; 577 uploaded.
• United Kingdom (UK): 8,529 applications; 3,985 completed.
• Italy: 6,372 applications; 2,423 completed.
• Kuwait: 3,782 applications; 1,303 completed.
• Qatar: 2,802 applications; 1,082 completed.
• Malaysia: 948 applications; 356 uploaded.
• Australia and Canada: Recently initiated registration services.

So far, expatriates have submitted a total of 45,184 applications. Among them, biometric data for 28,926 individuals has been collected, while smart NID cards for 11,158 people have already been printed and sent to respective missions for distribution.

Challenges in NID Registration Abroad

Despite the impressive progress, several challenges remain. According to DG Humayun Kabir, one major hurdle is receiving clearance from host countries. The Directorate has contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for diplomatic support, but clearances are still pending from 31 countries.

He stated, “Many foreign authorities are not approving the request due to manpower shortages and lack of available office space. Still, we are hopeful of launching the NID program in 10 to 12 new countries by December.”

Why Is the NID Important for Expatriates?

The Bangladesh National Identity Card is more than just an identification tool. It empowers citizens to:

• Participate in elections remotely
• Own property in Bangladesh
• Conduct banking transactions
• Apply for government benefits and subsidies
• Use digital and e-government services

For expatriates, having a valid Bangladesh NID means staying connected to home, even while living thousands of kilometers away.

Application Rejections and Data Verification

According to officials, 3,563 applications have been rejected due to discrepancies in addresses and documents during the verification process. In contrast, 16,029 profiles have successfully been uploaded to the NID database, confirming the system’s robustness in filtering out invalid claims.

The DG emphasized the importance of accurate documentation, stating, “The verification process is detailed and time-consuming. It includes thorough checking of submitted documents, and coordination between the Election Commission and foreign missions.”

Increasing Monitoring and Efficiency

Director General Kabir admitted that the program could have served more people by now. “Bringing 45,000 people into the system is no small task, but the number could have been higher. We’re working to improve our monitoring and follow-up mechanisms,” he added.

This proactive stance indicates the government’s intention to streamline the process and make it more accessible to the wider Bangladeshi diaspora.

10-12 New Countries on the Radar

The NID Registration Division has set a target to launch services in 10 to 12 additional countries by the end of the year. While the specific names of these countries have not been disclosed, officials confirmed that diplomatic outreach is ongoing and largely dependent on host country approvals.

Once clearance is granted, technical teams will be dispatched to set up registration booths, collect biometrics, and process applications for e-ticket railway integration, passport renewal, and other services.

How to Apply for Bangladesh NID as an Expatriate

Here is a simple breakdown for expatriates seeking to apply:

1. Contact the nearest Bangladeshi mission in your country to confirm if NID registration is available.
2. Schedule an appointment through the mission or NID division’s online portal.
3. Bring original documents including passport, old NID (if any), birth certificate, and proof of address.
4. Submit biometrics and photographs at the designated NID booth.
5. Wait for verification and approval. Once cleared, the smart NID card will be printed and sent to your mission.

NID and Bangladesh Railway

With increasing digitization, the Bangladesh Railway now accepts NID for online ticket booking through its e-ticket railway platform. Many expatriates returning to Bangladesh temporarily need their NID to travel by train. This adds another layer of urgency to ensure they have valid identification before arrival.

Using your Bangladesh NID, you can:

• Register on the Bangladesh Railway e-ticket system
• Book seats for intercity travel
• Receive SMS confirmation
• Avoid long queues at stations

This seamless integration of services is yet another reason the government is prioritizing smart card issuance for citizens abroad.

Conclusion

The expansion of the Bangladesh NID registration program is not just about issuing identity cards; it is about strengthening ties between the government and its global citizens. With a focus on convenience, digital integration, and enhanced monitoring, the Election Commission is taking bold steps to ensure that no Bangladeshi is left behind, regardless of where they live.