Italy Embassy in Dhaka has announced a series of significant steps to expedite the processing of long-pending visa applications for Bangladeshi citizens following discussions with the foreign ministry here. In an effort to address the backlog, the consular section has increased its workforce and streamlined its operations, said a Bangladeshi's foreign ministry's press release this evening here. Currently, over 40,000 work-related visa applications are under consideration while the Italy embassy already beginning the process of returning passports to applicants. The embassy has assured that decisions on at least 20,000 applications will be made and passports returned within the next two months. However, the embassy emphasized that submitting a work permit, or 'nulla osta', does not guarantee a visa approval, as all documents will undergo thorough verification to prevent fraud and corruption. In addition to work visas, the number of applications for study, business, tourism, and family visas has also been steadily increasing, said the release. The embassy further noted that the timeline for visa processing and final decisions are governed by Italian laws and regulations. Applicants have the right to appeal, but the embassy is bound to follow the applicable legal framework. The Italy Embassy reiterated its commitment to the foreign ministry to resolve the visa backlog with maximum efficiency and transparency and urging applicants to cooperate throughout the process, said the release. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
