UAE cancels visas of thousands of Bangladeshis amid heightened scrutiny
The UAE has cancelled the visas of thousands of Bangladeshi expatriates, leaving many stranded and unable to return to their homes or businesses. While the exact reasons remain unclear, authorities suggest increased security scrutiny amid regional tensions may be a factor.
Why it matters
This mass visa cancellation impacts the livelihoods of over a million Bangladeshi expatriates and highlights potential shifts in UAE immigration policy and regional diplomatic relations.
The UAE has cancelled the visas of thousands of Bangladeshis, leaving many expatriates stranded in Bangladesh and unable to return to their jobs, businesses and families in the Gulf country. Bangladesh has taken up the issue with the UAE through diplomatic channels and sought a review of the cancellations.The Daily Star reported that the number of affected Bangladeshis has risen from around 4,000 to 4,800, citing Bangladeshi ministry sources. However, the UAE has not publicly confirmed the figure. Bangladesh’s foreign ministry had said on July 30 that 626 Bangladeshis had faced automatic visa cancellations, while stressing that the cancellations were not specific to Bangladesh and had also affected nationals of other countries.Many affected Bangladeshis had returned home on leave before receiving cancellation notices by email or mobile message.
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