UAE Automatic Visa Cancellations Affected 626 Bangladeshis and Other Nationalities, Minister Clarifies

The recent automatic cancellation of UAE visas was not specific to Bangladeshi nationals, with 626 Bangladeshis confirmed affected rather than the roughly 5,000 cases suggested by media reports, Foreign Affairs State Minister Shama Obaed Islam stated following an inter-ministerial meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 30.

According to Shama, nationals from Pakistan, Egypt, the Philippines, Nepal, and several other countries also experienced similar visa cancellations. Citing figures from Bangladesh's embassy and UAE authorities, she stated that detailed information on 417 affected workers has already been forwarded to UAE authorities for visa renewal, with the remaining records to be submitted in phases.

Bangladesh's diplomatic missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have held discussions with UAE authorities, and follow-up meetings are scheduled for next week. The government is also examining whether cancellations stemmed from employer actions such as termination of employment, noting that diplomatic missions will engage with relevant companies if employers are found responsible.

Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment State Minister Nurul Haque Nur announced the launch of a dedicated hotline in Bangladesh for workers whose visas were cancelled while on leave, along with an emergency service line in the UAE to register workers and provide support. Nur also warned against the use of forged documents in overseas labor markets and advised expatriates to avoid involvement in host countries' internal political affairs.