UAE visa cancellations affect thousands of Bangladeshis

Dhaka : Thousands of Bangladeshi expatriates are facing uncertainty after the United Arab Emirates cancelled the visas of an estimated 4,800 nationals, preventing many who had returned home on leave from going back to their jobs and businesses.

Bangladesh has raised the issue with the UAE through diplomatic channels and requested a review of the cancellations. State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur said the government was working with the Foreign Ministry to address the situation.

Many affected workers and business owners said they received cancellation notices through email or mobile messages without being given specific reasons. Some sponsors in the UAE were also reportedly notified.

Abul Kalam Azad, who spent 27 years in the UAE, said his visa was cancelled in July after he returned to Bangladesh in April. He was among hundreds of affected expatriates who gathered at the National Press Club on September 7 seeking government intervention.

The group has submitted several demands, including diplomatic efforts to secure their return, financial assistance of BDT 15,000-20,000 per month for affected families and alternative overseas employment if returning to the UAE becomes impossible.