Thirteen Western countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Germany, in a joint statement from Dhaka have urged all Bangladeshi applicants to follow official procedures in seeking visas, permits and other consular services.

It advised all concerned not to use falsified documents, unlicensed agents or make payments to unauthorised individuals or agents.

‘We jointly urge all applicants to follow official procedures when seeking visas, permits, or other consular services,’ said the statement shared by the British High Commission in Bangladesh in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

Mentioning that no mission was affiliated with any agents, it strongly advised applicants not to rely on intermediaries claiming special access or influence over visa decisions.

‘Do not use falsified documents, unreliable or unlicensed agents, or make payments to unauthorized individuals, agents, or missions. Such actions can lead to delays, financial loss, refusal at borders, and/or serious legal consequences,’ the statement said.

It also asked to always rely on verified information and official channels provided by legitimate authorities.

The shared priority is to ensure a safe, fair and transparent application process for everyone, according to the statement.

The other signatories to the statement are Denmark, France, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.