NID Service for Expatriates Being Launched in 8 More Countries
NID Service for Expatriates Being Launched in 8 More Countries. The Election Commission of Bangladesh (EC) has taken a significant step forward in ensuring the voting rights of expatriate Bangladeshis by expanding NID services to more countries across the globe. After successfully running voter registration in 9 countries, the NID enrollment service will now be launched in 8 new countries, including the United States, France, Maldives, Turkey, Jordan, South Africa, Oman, and Egypt.
This move comes as part of the government’s promise to empower non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) and strengthen their participation in the democratic process.
NID Service for Expatriates Being Launched in 8 More Countries
The Election Commission is currently offering voter registration services in 9 countries through 16 designated service stations. These include:
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Saudi Arabia
- United Kingdom (UK)
- Italy
- Kuwait
- Qatar
- Malaysia
- Australia
- Canada
More than 47,000 applications have already been received from expatriates through these centers, and over 20,000 of them have successfully been added to the expatriate voter list.
New Countries for NID Service Launch
The NID program will be extended to the following 8 countries in upcoming phases:
- Country Status
- United States Launch upcoming
- France Launch upcoming
- Maldives Relaunch phase
- Turkey Planned
- Jordan Planned
- South Africa Planned
- Oman Planned
- Egypt Planned
In addition, Japan will begin offering NID services from July 15, 2025, as confirmed by the EC.
Why This Expansion Matters
There is a large Bangladeshi diaspora spread across over 40 countries. Providing NID registration abroad enables them to:
- Prove legal identity as Bangladeshi citizens
- Vote in national elections in the future
- Access public services and benefits
- Register bank accounts, own property, and manage official matters easily
This step also aligns with the interim government’s pledge to protect the voting rights of NRBs by introducing online, postal, and proxy voting systems.
Future Voting Methods Being Developed
To enable easier participation in the electoral process from abroad, the Election Commission is also working on various voting methods such as:
- Online voting
- Postal voting
- Proxy voting
A technical advisory team has already been formed, including experts from:
- BUET (Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology)
- Dhaka University
- MIST (Military Institute of Science and Technology)
These methods aim to make voting secure, transparent, and accessible for all Bangladeshis living outside the country.
How to Register for NID as an Expatriate
To become a voter or apply for a National ID card (NID) as an expatriate Bangladeshi, you must submit the following documents:
Required Documents for Expatriate NID
- Document Type Required
- Completed Form-2A
- Valid Bangladeshi Passport
- Online Birth Registration
- Recent Passport-size Photo
- Special Information Form (if any)
- Education Certificates
- NID of Parents/Spouse
- Marriage Certificate
- Citizenship Certificate
- Utility Bills or Proof of Address
If some documents are missing, applicants can send them to the Upazila Election Office in Bangladesh via a relative.
A Quick Look at the History of the Program
The Expatriate NID Registration Program began in 2019 under the previous Election Commission. It first launched in Malaysia, then expanded to:
- UAE
- UK
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Maldives
Unfortunately, the program had to be paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it was restarted in 2022 and has been growing ever since.
Expatriate NID Service at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current countries | 9 (with 16 service centers) |
| Applications received | 47,000+ |
| Voter IDs issued | 20,000+ |
| New countries in 2025 | 8 (incl. USA, France, Oman, Egypt, etc.) |
| Japan launch date | 15 July 2025 |
| Technical voting team | BUET, DU, MIST experts |
| Voting methods in planning | Online, Postal, Proxy |
Conclusion
The expansion of NID services to 8 more countries is a milestone achievement for Bangladesh and its global citizens. With this initiative, the Election Commission is bridging the gap between NRBs and their homeland, ensuring that every Bangladeshi – no matter where they live – has a voice in the country’s future.
