Why UAE Cancelled Visas of 4,800 Bangladeshis

The United Arab Emirates has cancelled the visas of up to 4,800 Bangladeshis, leaving many stranded in Bangladesh after returning home on leave and unable to go back to their jobs or businesses. Bangladesh has raised the issue through diplomatic channels and asked the UAE to review the cancellations, while affected expatriates have sought a solution by September 22.

For many affected Bangladeshis, the cancellations came without prior warning or an explanation. Abul Kalam Azad, who had lived in the UAE for 27 years, returned to Bangladesh on April 7. On July 24, he received an email informing him that his visa had been cancelled. “No reason was mentioned in the email,” Azad told The Daily Star. Iran, UAE Agree to ‘Put the Past Behind’ as Pezeshkian Meets Abu Dhabi Crown Prince.

What Happened To The Visas?

The cancellations reportedly began in July and have affected Bangladeshis who were already living and working in the UAE as well as people who had travelled to Bangladesh temporarily. On September 7, State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare Nurul Haque Nur said his ministry and the foreign ministry were aware that the visas of 4,000 Bangladeshis had been cancelled.

“Many of them have businesses and shops there. Efforts are underway to resolve the matter diplomatically,” he wrote in a Facebook post. The number subsequently increased to 4,800, according to ministry sources cited by The Daily Star. The Bangladesh government has asked the UAE to reconsider the cancellations and review the cases of those affected.

Affected Workers Seek Government Support

Around 350 affected Bangladeshis attended a programme at the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka on September 7, demanding government intervention. The expatriates submitted a five-point demand that included rehabilitation and financial assistance until the visa issue is resolved.

They sought monthly assistance of Tk 15,000-20,000 for affected migrants and their families. They also asked the government to help arrange employment in other countries if they are unable to return to the UAE. The group further called for high-level diplomatic engagement with the UAE to allow affected expatriates to return to their previous workplaces.

Why Were The Visas Cancelled?

The precise reason for the mass cancellations remains unclear. MS Shekil Chowdhury, chairperson of the Centre for Non-Resident Bangladeshi, said the UAE had increased scrutiny amid the continuing conflict situation in the Middle East. He said visa renewals, documentation issues, social media activity and potential security concerns were being examined more closely.

However, Shekil said he was not suggesting that these issues were directly responsible for the cancellations. He said the wider geopolitical situation could be influencing the increased scrutiny. Another report citing Bangladeshi officials said the UAE had linked the cancellations to internal security considerations. Bangladesh has nevertheless asked the UAE to explain the decisions and reconsider affected cases.

Visa Cancellation Concerns

For many expatriates, the lack of a clear explanation has added to uncertainty over their employment, businesses and families. Azad's case is one example. After nearly three decades in the UAE, he was unable to return after receiving the cancellation notice while in Bangladesh. Other affected Bangladeshis have similarly reported receiving cancellation notifications by email or mobile messages. In some cases, UAE-based sponsors also received notifications.

The situation has particular significance because more than 1.2 million Bangladeshis live in the UAE, according to Bangladeshi reporting. The country is a major destination for Bangladeshi migrant workers and a significant source of remittances.

What Bangladesh Is Doing

Bangladesh has taken up the issue with UAE authorities through diplomatic channels and requested a review of the cancellations. The government has also sought information on why the visas were cancelled and asked for affected cases to be reassessed.

Bangladesh's embassy in Abu Dhabi has also asked Bangladeshis whose visas were automatically cancelled to provide their details through the embassy's designated email channel, according to local reports. For those unable to return, affected expatriates are seeking financial support and assistance finding employment elsewhere.

Why The UAE Matters To Bangladesh

The UAE is one of Bangladesh's major overseas labour markets. Large numbers of Bangladeshis work in construction, manufacturing, transportation, services and other sectors.

Many migrant workers borrow money to cover recruitment and travel costs before taking jobs abroad. A prolonged inability to return can therefore affect both workers and households that depend on their earnings. The uncertainty also extends to Bangladeshis who own businesses or have families in the UAE.

The visa cancellations come amid continuing instability across the Middle East. Shekil said the regional security environment could be contributing to increased scrutiny, although he did not establish a direct connection between the conflict and the individual visa cancellations.

The UAE has not publicly provided a detailed explanation for the cancellation of each affected Bangladeshi's visa in the reporting available so far. That leaves the immediate focus on the diplomatic discussions between Dhaka and Abu Dhabi and whether individual cases will be reviewed.

Affected Bangladeshis have set September 22 as the date by which they want a solution. Until then, many remain unable to return to the UAE, creating uncertainty over jobs, businesses and family arrangements.

Bangladesh is seeking a review through diplomatic channels, while affected expatriates are asking for financial assistance and alternative employment options if they cannot regain permission to return. The outcome of the discussions will determine whether those affected can resume their lives and work in the UAE or need to make alternative arrangements.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 16, 2026 12:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).