Ami Probashi, a digital platform serving more than nine million users, has launched an interactive voice response (IVR) service allowing Bangladeshi migrant workers to verify the authenticity of their visas before travelling overseas.
The service is aimed at migrants bound for Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, countries that account for a large share of Bangladesh’s overseas workforce. It is intended to curb visa fraud, a persistent problem that has left thousands of workers stranded or exploited abroad.
The facility is available through Ami Probashi’s helpline, 16768. Migrants can call the number and submit their visa details, which are then checked by the platform’s verification team. After the process is completed, callers receive an SMS confirming whether the visa is valid or invalid.
If a visa cannot be located in the relevant system, the message advises the worker to contact the embassy of the destination country for further clarification. Where a visa is verified and approved by the respective authorities, the user receives a confirmation message. The service is offered for a nominal fee.
Ami Probashi said the initiative responds to a critical gap in the migration process, particularly for low-income workers who are often targeted by brokers using forged or misleading documents.
“Our mission is to make migration safer and more transparent for all Bangladeshi workers,” said Tarique Ekramul Haque, managing director and founder of Ami Probashi. “By providing a quick and reliable visa verification system, we want to reduce the risks associated with fraudulent visas and give workers the confidence to travel with peace of mind. This is a significant step towards protecting migrants and ensuring their overseas journey begins securely.”
The IVR-based verification service is now live and currently accessible only through the 16768 helpline.