“VFS scandal: Over 1 lakh visa seekers trapped, labour market strangled”

The European labour market has been held hostage by multinational visa processing company VFS Global as Bangladeshi nationals intending to go to different countries of Europe are struggling to get visas due to its cumbersome process, causing significant hardship for them.

VFS Global, which processes visas on behalf of embassies and destination countries, has withheld the applications and passports of over 1 lakh Bangladeshis, leading to widespread frustration among the hopefuls and causing substantial financial losses.

Reports suggest that the country has lost Tk41,220 crore in just one year due to withholding of passports…

However, VFS Global has created significant hurdles for the Bangladeshi applicants. Sources said applicants face extensive delays and bureaucratic obstacles, including difficulties in securing appointments, exploitation by middlemen and the withholding of passports for over a year. This has left many applicants in limbo, unable to proceed with their work permits.

“I’ve spent Tk13 lakh to get an Italian work permit and applied for a visa through VFS Global. Although nine months have elapsed, I'm still awaiting the visa. My original three-month deadline has passed, shattering my dreams," said Zakir Hossain, a migrant worker from Noakhali’s Begumganj…

Nahid Newaz, owner of VFS Global Bangladesh, declined to comment on the matter.