Shocking UAE Visa Cancellations Leave Thousands Stranded
- Approximately 4,800 Bangladeshi expats visiting home find UAE visas suddenly cancelled.
- Affected workers unable to return to jobs, businesses, and families in the Emirates.
- Protesters in Dhaka set a deadline and issue five key demands to the government.
Approximately 4,800 Bangladeshi expatriates currently visiting their home country have reported that their UAE residence and work visas were abruptly cancelled, leaving them unable to return to their jobs, businesses, and families in the Emirates. As of 16 September 2026, the issue affects individuals who had traveled home on leave.
Visa Cancellation Numbers and Notices
State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare, Nurul Haque Nur, initially confirmed 4,000 cases on 7 September, with the figure subsequently rising to 4,800 according to ministry sources. The notices, received via email or SMS, did not provide reasons for the cancellations. Abul Kalam Azad, a 27-year resident of the UAE who returned to Bangladesh on 7 April 2026, reported that he received a cancellation notice on 24 July without explanation. While UAE regulations typically permit visa cancellation if a resident remains outside the country for more than six consecutive months, many of the affected individuals claim they had only been away for two to three months. Reports indicate that Pakistani expatriates have also encountered similar cancellations.
Community Impact and Demands
Approximately 1.2 million Bangladeshis currently reside in the UAE, forming the third-largest expatriate community. In the 2023-24 period, remittances from the UAE to Bangladesh totaled $3.65 billion. On 7 September, nearly 350 affected individuals convened at the National Press Club in Dhaka, issuing a deadline of 22 September for the government to address five demands: financial support and rehabilitation, a monthly allowance of Tk 15,000–20,000 for families, assistance in securing alternative employment, a formal review of all cancellations, and transparent communication between the two governments.
Diplomatic Engagement and Advice
The Bangladeshi government has initiated diplomatic engagement to request case-by-case reviews. Community representatives suggest the stricter scrutiny may be linked to regional security concerns, document verification processes, and online activity monitoring. The UAE government has not issued a public statement confirming the figures or providing official reasons for the cancellations. Experts advise residents to remain vigilant regarding the six-month absence rule, maintain documentation such as entry-exit stamps and labor cards, and coordinate with the Bangladesh Embassy or Consulate if a cancellation notice is received. Official updates should only be monitored through ICA and MoHRE channels.