4,800 Bangladeshis Stranded After UAE Visa Cancellations: What Happened?

Around 4,800 Bangladeshis who travelled home on leave are reportedly unable to return to the UAE after their visas were cancelled, in some cases without prior notice or an explanation. The affected group includes workers as well as people who operate businesses in the Gulf country.

About 12 lakh Bangladeshis live and work in the UAE, making them one of the country’s largest expatriate communities. Many work in construction, manufacturing and transport, while remittances from the UAE remain an important source of income for families in Bangladesh. Workers sent around $3.65 billion home from the UAE in 2023-24, according to the latest figures cited in the report.

Affected expatriates said cancellation notices began arriving from July through emails and messages. Some claimed they had been outside the UAE for only two or three months. One affected resident, who had lived there for 27 years and owned businesses, said his visa was cancelled while his wife remained in Dubai.

Bangladesh has raised the matter with UAE authorities and requested a review. Hundreds of affected people have also sought financial assistance, rehabilitation and help finding alternative employment.

The precise reason for the cancellations remains unclear. UAE rules generally provide for residence visas to be cancelled when holders remain outside the country for more than six consecutive months, but affected Bangladeshis say their circumstances did not meet that condition. A Bangladeshi official previously described 626 cases as “auto-cancelled” and urged expatriates to avoid criminal activity and sensitive social-media posts. UAE authorities have not publicly confirmed a specific reason for the wider cancellations.

Published: 56m ago

All India Story

All India Story is your trusted source for comprehensive and up-to-the-minute news coverage across India. Bringing you the latest on politics, business, technology, entertainment, sports, and more, we are dedicated to keeping you informed with accurate, engaging, and insightful stories from every corner of the nation.

Maharashtra FDA Raids Mumbai Eateries, Suspends Cafe Licence Over Hygiene Lapses

CCPA Fines Rapido Rs 10 Lakh Over Dark Patterns and Tipping Prompts

Priyank Kharge Challenges BJP Leaders Over Full Vande Mataram Recital

US Confirms Weapons in Orbit, Raising Space Arms Race Concerns

South Korea Court Orders North Korea to Pay $32.5 Million for Kaesong Blast