Approximately 4,800 Bangladeshi nationals have found themselves unable to return to the United Arab Emirates after their visas were abruptly cancelled. Reports indicate that many of these individuals had recently returned to Bangladesh on leave and were caught off-guard by the lack of prior warning or explanation regarding the cancellations. This situation extends beyond just Bangladesh, as numerous Pakistani workers also face similar visa issues.

The Bangladeshi expatriate community in the UAE is notably large, with around 12 lakh nationals residing and working there, mainly in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Their ability to send remittances back home is crucial, as many families depend on this financial support for their livelihoods.

According to data from 2023 and 2024, Bangladeshi workers in the UAE contributed $3.65 billion in remittances, marking a significant 52 per cent increase compared to the previous year. However, for those affected by the recent visa revocations, returning to their jobs in the UAE has become a precarious situation requiring immediate government intervention.

Immediate Community Response and Demands

In light of the abrupt cancellations, an emergency meeting took place last week at the National Press Club in Dhaka, where approximately 350 affected individuals gathered to discuss their plight. They formally presented a five-point demand list to government officials, which included requests for rehabilitation and financial assistance. The proposed monthly aid ranged from Bangladeshi Tk 15,000 to 20,000 (Rs 12,000 to 16,000) to support their families during this challenging period.

Additionally, the affected expatriates have appealed for aid from the government to explore employment opportunities in other countries should the situation in the UAE remain unresolved. The lack of clarity or justification from UAE authorities regarding the mass cancellations has intensified their anxiety, further complicating their circumstances.

Many individuals, like Abul Kalam Azad, who has lived in the UAE for 27 years, reported receiving email notifications concerning their visa cancellations without any stated reasons. This absence of information has left numerous expatriates questioning the validity of the decisions and seeking immediate solutions amidst their uncertainty.

Unclear Reasons Behind Visa Cancellations

The precise reasons governing the mass cancellation of visas remain ambiguous. Under UAE regulations, a residence visa is typically cancelled if an expatriate exceeds six consecutive months abroad. However, affected Bangladeshis claim they had only been away for two to three months when their visas were annulled. A prior statement from the Bangladeshi state minister for foreign affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, referenced that 626 Bangladeshis faced “auto-cancellation” of their UAE visas, although no explicit cause was provided.

The minister underscored the need for expatriates to avoid engaging in criminal activities or sharing sensitive political content on social media, which may attract scrutiny. Concerns regarding the conduct of Pakistani nationals had previously led to tighter visa restrictions for that community, raising worries that similar issues may be contributing to the current situation.

Experts have noted that heightened scrutiny from UAE authorities may stem from broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts. Meanwhile, since 2013, the UAE has been primarily recruiting skilled workers from Bangladesh, further limiting employment opportunities for the unskilled workforce. The unfolding visa crisis presents a significant hurdle for many individuals who rely heavily on their jobs in the UAE.

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