Netherlands Cracks Down on Student Visas from Bangladesh
Jan 30, 2026
Category: International Students Netherlands News
The Netherlands is tightening student visa rules for Bangladeshi applicants after spotting a rise in people using education as a cover to stay long-term.
The Dutch ambassador said that stricter checks began recently to weed out non-genuine cases and speed up approvals for real students.
Tougher checks at embassy
The Netherlands embassy in Dhaka is applying tighter checks to student visa applications from Bangladeshi nationals.
According to Ambassador Joris van Bommel, the move follows a rise in applicants who use education as a reason to enter the Netherlands, but “whose real intention is not to study, rather to stay on.”
The embassy has increased scrutiny in recent months, aiming to filter out non-genuine cases and prioritise those who are accepted by Dutch universities. The ambassador said that this would help genuine students move through the visa process “much faster.”
Embassy flags common red flags
The Netherlands has identified specific issues that lead to doubts during visa assessments.
Van Bommel said that applications tend to be rejected when students cannot speak English, fail to justify the purpose of their study or do not know the name of the university or faculty they claim to have applied to.
These shortcomings suggest to the embassy that some applicants are not serious about studying and may be using the student visa route for other purposes.
No agent needed
At an event at BRAC University, van Bommel advised prospective students not to use agents or intermediaries.
“You don’t need an agent. You apply to a university. If you’re accepted and your paperwork is in order, it will automatically come to the embassy for your visa,” he said.
He suggested that handling the process directly helps avoid confusion, errors and added costs that can come with relying on third parties.
Bangladesh-Netherlands ties continue
Despite the visa concerns, van Bommel said that cooperation between Bangladesh and the Netherlands remains steady. He mentioned ongoing work between the two countries in sectors like water, agriculture, circularity in garments and the maritime industry.
He described the bilateral relationship as one that has evolved from development-focused aid to collaboration based on “mutual respect”, also noting longstanding ties rooted in both nations being delta countries.
Focus on practical learning
Van Bommel also described how Dutch education encourages “challenge-based learning”, with an emphasis on solving real-world problems rather than only memorising facts.
He added that most courses in the Netherlands are taught in English, which can make education there more accessible for international students
The comment came during a joint programme hosted by BRAC University, the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, the Netherlands Alumni Association Bangladesh and the Dutch embassy.
More barriers for entry routes
The shift in visa screening may make it more difficult for applicants hoping to enter the Netherlands without clear academic intent. The embassy’s position reflects an attempt to limit abuse of the student visa route and prioritise those with firm educational goals.
These measures also come at a time when the European Union is rolling out broader border security tools that could further tighten access for non-EU visitors.
The Entry/Exit System (EES), introduced in October 2025 and fully operational by April 2026, digitally records non-EU nationals’ entries and exits at EU external borders. It replaces passport stamps and uses biometric data to detect overstays or visa misuse.
Meanwhile, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), set to launch in late 2026, will require visa-exempt travellers to get authorisation before visiting most EU countries.
Although this won’t affect Bangladeshis directly, the broader shift means that all travellers — whether short-term or long-term — will be more closely monitored.
Broader EU shift
The Netherlands is not alone in tightening visa screening. Across the EU, countries are introducing new rules and technology to manage migration more closely.
The introduction of EES and ETIAS indicates a regional push for more control at borders and better data tracking of who enters and leaves the bloc.
Though national visa decisions remain separate, these systems contribute to a growing EU-wide infrastructure that leaves less room for misuse of short-stay or student visa categories.
Fewer loopholes, clearer rules
The Dutch embassy’s new approach to Bangladeshi student visas reflects a broader effort to manage migration through targeted screening and digital systems.
Applicants who are honest about their plans and prepared to meet the requirements will still find opportunities, but the system is closing in on those who aren’t.