Italian Vice-Minister Assures Fast-Track Visa Decisions For Bangladeshi Workers

Italian Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Maria Tripodi, has assured expedited decisions on long-pending visa applications of Bangladeshi workers. She made this commitment during a meeting with Bangladesh's Foreign Adviser, Md. Touhid Hossain, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) this morning.

During the discussions, Vice Minister Tripodi acknowledged the warm bilateral ties between Bangladesh and Italy since 1972. She reiterated the Italian government's firm support for Bangladesh's Interim Government and praised its ongoing reform initiatives aimed at fostering a peaceful nation. She also expressed satisfaction over the existing trade relations and emphasized Italy’s interest in expanding cooperation, particularly in the textile and defense sectors.

The Foreign Adviser welcomed Vice Minister Tripodi to Dhaka on her first visit and highlighted Bangladesh's dynamic economic ties with Italy. He encouraged increased Italian investment, particularly in greenfield sectors, and apprised her of the efforts of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) to create a more favorable business environment for foreign investors. Addressing defense cooperation, he emphasized Bangladesh’s intent to diversify its sourcing of defense materials and welcomed Italy’s interest in modernizing the country’s defense sector.

On migration issues, both sides lauded the contributions of the Bangladeshi diaspora in Italy to the economies of both nations. They stressed the importance of expanding legal migration pathways while committing to joint efforts in tackling irregular migration, human trafficking, and migrant exploitation. In response to the Foreign Adviser's concerns, Vice Minister Tripodi assured that decisions on long-pending visa applications of Bangladeshi workers would be expedited.

The Italian Vice Minister also commended Bangladesh’s humanitarian role in hosting the forcibly displaced Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar. She reaffirmed Italy’s continued humanitarian and political support for Bangladesh. Highlighting the complex challenges posed by Myanmar’s political situation and the presence of non-state actors in border areas, the Foreign Adviser reiterated that the sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland remains the only viable solution.

Vice Minister Tripodi is on a two-day official visit to Bangladesh, marking the first ministerial-level visit from any EU country since the formation of the Interim Government. Upon her arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport yesterday afternoon, she was warmly received by Abul Hasan Mridha, Director General (West Europe and EU) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.