World

UAE Visa Cancellations Impact Thousands of Bangladeshi Nationals

By Aryan Singh

The United Arab Emirates has canceled visas for thousands of Bangladeshi expatriates, preventing their return to the UAE for work, business, and family. Bangladesh has engaged with the UAE diplomatically to request a review of these cancellations. Reports from Bangladeshi ministry sources indicate that the number of affected individuals has increased from approximately 4,000 to 4,800. The UAE has not publicly verified these figures. On July 30, Bangladesh's foreign ministry stated that 626 Bangladeshis experienced automatic visa cancellations, noting that these cancellations were not exclusive to Bangladeshis but also impacted other nationalities. Many of those affected had traveled to Bangladesh on leave before receiving cancellation notifications via email or mobile message. Abul Kalam Azad, a 27-year resident of the UAE, reported returning to Bangladesh on April 7 and receiving a visa cancellation email on July 24 without an explanation. The cancellations have impacted both employees and business owners. One Bangladeshi individual reported having two businesses and a spouse in Dubai, but is now unable to return. Bangladesh's foreign ministry estimates that approximately 1.2 million Bangladeshi expatriates reside in the UAE. Dhaka has been advocating for increased mobility and the resumption of labor visas for its citizens. The precise reasons for these recent cancellations are not yet clear. MS Shekil Chowdhury, chairman of the Centre for Non-Resident Bangladeshi, noted that UAE authorities have heightened scrutiny, including checks on visa renewals, documentation, and social media activity, amidst the broader Middle East conflict. He clarified that he was not asserting these factors directly caused the cancellations. Bangladesh's expatriates' welfare ministry has requested details from recently affected Bangladeshis to assess the full extent of the issue. Affected expatriates have also requested financial aid, rehabilitation, and diplomatic assistance to facilitate their return to their previous employment. The Bangladeshi government has not released a definitive number of affected nationals or a confirmed reason for the visa cancellations.