The United Arab Emirates UAE) has reportedly cancelled the visas of around 4,800 Bangladeshi nationals, leaving many unable to return to their jobs, businesses and families in the Gulf country. The development has triggered growing concern among affected expatriates, particularly those who had travelled to Bangladesh on leave and later discovered that their UAE visas had been cancelled.
The Bangladesh government has taken up the matter with the UAE through diplomatic channels and has requested a review of the cancellations. However, the specific reasons behind the individual visa cancellations have not been publicly clarified, adding to uncertainty among those affected.
Thousands of Bangladeshis Reportedly Affected
Reports of visa cancellations began emerging in July. According to Bangladeshi government sources cited by local media, the number of affected nationals initially stood at more than 4,000 before subsequently rising to approximately 4,800.
Many of those affected had established their lives in the UAE and travelled temporarily to Bangladesh. The cancellation of their visas has prevented them from returning to workplaces, shops and businesses they had left behind during their visits home.
The issue has become particularly serious for expatriates who depend on employment or commercial activities in the UAE as their primary source of income. For some families in Bangladesh, earnings and remittances from relatives working abroad are an important part of household finances.
Visa Cancellations Reportedly Came Without Explanation
Several affected Bangladeshis have said they received cancellation notifications without a clear explanation.
One reported case involves Abul Kalam Azad, who had lived in the UAE for 27 years. He returned to Bangladesh on April 7 and later received an email on July 24 informing him that his UAE visa had been cancelled. According to his account, the notification did not specify why the visa had been revoked.
The absence of detailed information has added to the anxiety among affected expatriates, many of whom are seeking clarification from Bangladeshi authorities and assistance in resolving their cases.
Bangladesh Seeks Diplomatic Review
Bangladesh has raised the matter with UAE authorities through diplomatic channels. State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur said on September 7 that his ministry and the foreign ministry were aware of the cancellation of thousands of Bangladeshi visas.
He indicated that many affected people had businesses and shops in the UAE and that diplomatic efforts were underway to address the matter. The reported number later increased to around 4,800, according to ministry sources cited by The Daily Star.
Bangladesh is seeking a review of the cancellations as affected nationals remain unable to return to the UAE.
Affected Expatriates Demand Government Support
The issue has also prompted affected Bangladeshis to organise and publicly seek government intervention.
Around 350 people attended a programme at the National Press Club in Dhaka on September 7, according to reports. The group submitted a five-point set of demands, including rehabilitation and financial assistance for people affected by the visa cancellations.
The affected expatriates have reportedly asked authorities to help them regain access to their previous employment and businesses. They have also sought support if they remain unable to return to the UAE.
The group has given the Bangladesh government until September 22 to find a solution to the crisis, according to reports.
Why Were the UAE Visas Cancelled?
The exact reasons for the cancellations remain unclear in the public reporting available so far. Some analysts and Bangladeshi sources have discussed increased scrutiny in the UAE amid the wider security situation in the Middle East, including closer attention to documentation and other security-related considerations.
However, these explanations have not established that any particular factor was responsible for the cancellation of every affected person’s visa. The UAE has not publicly provided a detailed explanation for each case in the reporting available as of September 16.
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This distinction is important because the affected group includes people with different employment and residency circumstances. Individual cases may therefore require separate review.
Uncertainty Continues for Workers and Businesses
The visa cancellations have created uncertainty not only for workers but also for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and business owners with established activities in the UAE.
For people who had travelled to Bangladesh temporarily, the inability to return could mean prolonged separation from workplaces, businesses and family members. Those who have already lost access to their UAE employment may also face financial pressure while waiting for clarification.
The situation also has wider economic implications for Bangladesh because the UAE is a major destination for Bangladeshi migrant workers and an important source of remittances. India Today reported that around 1.2 million Bangladeshis live and work in the UAE, while Bangladeshi workers sent billions of dollars home in recent years.
For now, attention remains focused on diplomatic discussions between Dhaka and Abu Dhabi and whether the cancelled visas will be reviewed.
With affected Bangladeshis seeking a resolution by September 22, the coming days could determine whether those stranded in Bangladesh are able to return to their jobs and businesses in the UAE or require alternative assistance from their government.
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