The demonstrators held a public sit-in from 10 a.m., urging for an expedited return of their passports. While some attempted to surround the Italian Embassy at around 11 a.m., the action did not materialize.
"The protest started at 10 a.m. and is still ongoing," confirmed Tohidul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Gulshan Police Station. He added that adequate law enforcement personnel had been deployed to the area to manage the large crowd.
In response to the protest, the Italian Embassy issued a press release, stating that representatives from the group were received by the Deputy Head of Mission. During the meeting, embassy officials provided explanations for the delays in processing visas and urged applicants not to engage with intermediaries, who they identified as a significant cause of the delays.
The embassy emphasized that applicants should avoid submitting forged or falsified documents, warning that such acts are criminal offenses under both Italian and Bangladeshi law. The release also mentioned that investigations into these practices are ongoing in Italy.
Additionally, the embassy highlighted that efforts are being made to increase the number of processed visa applications, including the creation of a dedicated Task Force in cooperation with Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Italian Embassy also clarified the role of VFS Global, which is their only authorized agency to collect visa and legalisation applications, and return passports. VFS Global, however, has no involvement in the approval or rejection of visas.
The embassy reassured applicants that their "Nulla Osta" (authorisation to work in Italy) will not expire once the application or appointment request has been lodged. Moreover, starting from May 2024, applicants will no longer be required to leave their passports with their visa applications, thanks to a new policy waiver.
It was further noted that visa issuance remains the exclusive authority of the Italian state, and applicants can appeal embassy decisions to the appropriate Italian authorities.
In 2023, the Italian Embassy processed a record 40,000 visa applications, with similar numbers expected in 2024. The embassy also reiterated that illegal immigration poses serious risks, with thousands of Bangladeshi nationals attempting to enter Italy illegally each month. They warned that such actions could result in deportation and a re-entry ban across the European Union for up to five years.
END/MSS/
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