90 expatriates to get CIP status in three categories

The government will select 90 expatriate Bangladeshis as Commercially Important Persons (CIP) in three categories, recognising their contributions to investment, remittance and export trade. Among them, the highest 75 will be awarded CIP status for remitting foreign currency to Bangladesh through legal banking channels.

The Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment has already invited online applications from eligible expatriate Bangladeshis for the 2027 CIP selection.

The notice was published on the verified Facebook page of the Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia on Thursday, September 3. Earlier, the notification was issued from the Probashi Kallyan Bhaban on August 30.

According to the notification, a total of 90 individuals will be selected in three categories under the 'Commercially Important Person (Non-Resident Bangladeshi) Selection Policy, 2018'. A maximum of five individuals will be eligible for CIP status as direct investors in Bangladesh's industrial sector. In this case, a direct investment of at least $300,000 equivalent in foreign currency in the industrial sector during the 2025-26 fiscal year is required.

The highest 75 individuals will be selected as CIPs for remitting foreign currency to Bangladesh through legal channels. To apply in this category, applicants must have remitted at least $100,000 equivalent in foreign currency to Bangladesh through legal banking channels during the 2025-26 fiscal year. A maximum of 10 individuals will be awarded CIP status for earning foreign currency through the export of Bangladeshi products abroad. For this, applicants must be involved in exporting Bangladeshi products worth at least $300,000 equivalent in foreign currency during the relevant fiscal year.

The notification stated that priority will be given to exporters of Bangladeshi products through PRC (Proceeds Realisation Certificate). Preference will also be given to exporters of high value-added Bangladeshi products.

Online applications opened on September 1 and will continue until 12am on September 30. Applications must be submitted through the designated website. No applications will be accepted after the deadline, and submission of hard copies directly to embassies, missions or the ministry is not permitted.

Incomplete or flawed applications will be considered void. The authorities also reserve the right to cancel or suspend any application or related activities without assigning any reason.

This CIP selection is being made as part of the government's efforts to encourage and recognise expatriates' contributions to remittance, investment and exports . Over the past five years, 326 Bangladeshis have received CIP status for sending the highest amount of foreign currency through legal channels . The UAE is at the top of the list .