Dhaka: Thousands of Bangladeshi nationals are facing uncertainty after the United Arab Emirates reportedly cancelled their residency and work visas, preventing many who had travelled home from returning to their jobs, businesses and families in the Gulf country.
The number of affected Bangladeshis has reportedly risen to around 4,800, according to Bangladeshi ministry sources. However, the UAE has not publicly confirmed that figure.
Visa cancellations reported during trips home
Many of those affected had travelled to Bangladesh on holiday or for family reasons. Some said they received cancellation notices by email or mobile message while they were outside the UAE. Several affected expatriates said the notices did not provide a clear reason for the cancellation.
The issue has affected more than temporary workers. Those reportedly caught up in the cancellations include long-term residents, business owners and people with jobs and families still based in the UAE.
Some have spent years or even decades in the country and now face uncertainty over their employment, income, businesses and homes.
Bangladesh seeks clarification from UAE
The Bangladesh government has raised the matter with the UAE through diplomatic channels and is seeking clarification on the reasons behind the cancellations.
Dhaka has also requested that individual cases be reviewed, particularly those involving people who have not been accused of violating UAE laws.
Earlier, Bangladeshi officials reported that hundreds of nationals had experienced automatic visa cancellations and indicated that the measure was not limited to Bangladeshi citizens.
Affected expatriates demand government support
Around 350 affected Bangladeshis gathered at the National Press Club in Dhaka on September 7, calling for urgent government intervention.
The expatriates are seeking diplomatic assistance to help eligible individuals return to their previous workplaces and businesses in the UAE.
They have also demanded monthly financial assistance of Tk 15,000 to Tk 20,000 for families facing financial hardship while the issue remains unresolved.
If they are unable to return to the UAE, the affected workers have called for alternative employment, rehabilitation assistance and continued government support.
The group has reportedly given authorities until September 22 to find a solution.
Reason for cancellations remains unclear
The exact reason behind the reported cancellations has not been publicly established.
Possible explanations discussed by officials and community representatives include stricter security screening, documentation issues and visa-renewal problems. Some have also raised questions about scrutiny of online activity, although there is no confirmed evidence that this is the direct reason for the cancellations.
For those affected, the consequences go beyond being unable to travel. Many depend on their UAE jobs and businesses for their livelihoods, while their families continue to live in the country.
Bangladesh is continuing discussions with the UAE as affected expatriates wait for clarification and possible solutions to their visa problems.