The United Arab Emirates has revoked the visas of approximately 4,800 Bangladeshi nationals who were visiting their home country on leave, leaving them unable to return to their jobs, businesses, and families. According to Bangladeshi government sources, the figure rose from an initial count of 4,000. Many affected individuals, including Abul Kalam Azad, who had resided in the UAE for 27 years, received notification of their visa cancellations via email or SMS without explanation. Azad, who began his leave on April 7, was informed of his visa status on July 24.
On September 7, approximately 350 affected expatriates staged a protest at the National Press Club in Dhaka. They reported that notifications began arriving in July, with some UAE-based sponsors also receiving alerts. Nurul Haq Nur, the State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, acknowledged the situation in a Facebook post on September 7, confirming that both his ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are aware of the 4,000 cancellations and are seeking a diplomatic resolution.
The affected workers have issued a set of demands with a September 22 deadline, including a monthly financial assistance package of Tk 15,000–20,000 for their families, assistance in securing employment in other countries should return to the UAE remain impossible, and a formal review and clarification regarding the visa cancellations. While the UAE government provided no detailed public explanation for the mass cancellations in July, investigations into forged documents and security screenings have intensified, impacting citizens of various nations including Pakistan, the Philippines, Nepal, and Egypt.
MS Shekil Chowdhury, Chairperson of the Centre for Non-Resident Bangladeshi, noted that the UAE has increased scrutiny of visa renewals, documentation, and social media activity amidst shifting geopolitical conditions. Bangladeshi authorities have warned citizens to verify their visa status via the ICP, ICA, or GDRFA applications before traveling and cautioned against dealing with unofficial brokers. With over 1.2 million Bangladeshis residing in the UAE, the potential disruption to remittances and the ongoing status of these workers remain significant concerns as the September 22 deadline approaches.
