The government of Bangladesh has requested a diplomatic review with the United Arab Emirates after reports emerged that the UAE has cancelled the visas of numerous Bangladeshi nationals, preventing them from returning to their employment. According to The Daily Star, the cancellations have primarily affected expatriate workers who were home on leave.
The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment in Bangladesh has initiated communication with UAE authorities to seek clarification on the matter. Affected individuals reported that their visas were cancelled without prior notification or official explanation. Reports from Bangladeshi media indicate that the number of workers impacted is estimated to be over 4,000. These individuals discovered their visa status upon attempting to return to the UAE.
Officials in Bangladesh have expressed their intent to understand the reasons behind the cancellations and to seek a resolution for the affected citizens. The UAE government has not yet issued a public statement detailing the grounds for the visa revocations.
The United Arab Emirates is a significant destination for Bangladeshi migrant workers, with hundreds of thousands employed across various sectors, including construction, hospitality, and service industries. Remittances sent home by these workers are a major contributor to Bangladesh’s foreign currency reserves and a critical component of its economy.
The situation has created uncertainty for the workers and their families, who rely on income earned in the UAE. Bangladeshi government agencies are working through diplomatic channels to address the issue. Further details from either government regarding the visa cancellations are pending as discussions continue.
