Bangladesh mission brings consular services to remote Maldivian island

Dhaka: The Bangladesh High Commission in Malé organised a three-day consular camp on Fuvahmulah Island from September 11 to 13, bringing essential government services closer to Bangladeshi expatriates living in one of the Maldives’ remote islands.

A delegation led by Bangladesh High Commissioner to the Maldives Dr Md Nazmul Islam conducted the camp, located about 500 kilometres from the Maldivian capital, read a press release.

During the programme, around 100 applications for e-passports and 28 applications for BMET cards were received, according to the High Commission.

The initiative was designed to reduce the financial and logistical burden on expatriate Bangladeshis who normally have to travel to Malé to access consular services. The High Commission said the air journey from Malé to Fuvahmulah takes about one hour and 20 minutes, with round-trip airfare generally costing between BDT 30,000 and BDT 40,000.

Travellers must also bear additional expenses for accommodation, food and local transportation in Malé. For low-income migrant workers, these costs, along with the need to take leave from work, can make access to essential government services particularly difficult.

By taking consular services directly to Fuvahmulah, the High Commission enabled expatriates to avoid those expenses and save valuable working days.

“The welfare of Bangladeshi expatriates is one of the foremost priorities of the Bangladesh High Commission,” Dr Nazmul Islam said. He added that the mission wanted to ensure expatriates could access essential services in the “easiest, most affordable and dignified manner possible.”

He said Bangladeshi workers in the Maldives make important contributions to both the Maldivian and Bangladeshi economies, while their earnings support families in Bangladesh and contribute to the country’s economy through formal remittance channels.

“The welfare of our expatriates is not merely an administrative responsibility; it is also a humanitarian responsibility,” the High Commissioner said.

Bangladeshi expatriates who attended the camp welcomed the initiative and requested that similar camps be held regularly in Fuvahmulah and other remote islands.

The High Commission said it plans to continue expanding consular outreach according to the needs of the expatriate community, including services related to e-passports, BMET registration and other consular and welfare matters.

It said regular outreach would help reduce the financial and logistical difficulties faced by migrant workers while strengthening communication between Bangladeshi citizens abroad and their government.