State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed today clarified that the automatic cancellation of UAE visas is not specific to Bangladesh. She emphasized that citizens from Pakistan, Egypt, the Philippines, Nepal, and several other countries have also experienced visa cancellations. During a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shama stated that the actual number of affected Bangladeshi nationals is 626, not the previously reported 5,000. The government is working closely with UAE authorities to resolve these issues.
Shama revealed that detailed information on 417 of the affected workers has already been collected and their cases forwarded to the UAE authorities for visa renewal. The remaining cases will be submitted in phases. The Bangladesh missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have contacted UAE authorities, with further meetings expected next week. She expressed hope for a positive resolution.
The state minister urged Bangladeshi nationals working abroad to comply with the laws of their host countries, warning that violating local laws through social media activities or other means could result in legal action. She also highlighted the government's efforts to address the use of forged documents, which harm both individual workers and Bangladesh’s overall overseas labour market.
Shama mentioned that the government is examining the possibility of amending the Overseas Employment and Migrants Act, 2013, to ensure stricter punishment for document fraud. She also requested the media to verify figures before publishing reports on sensitive migration-related issues.
In addition, State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur announced the launch of a dedicated hotline in Bangladesh for workers whose UAE visas had been cancelled after returning home on leave. A separate emergency service line will be opened in the UAE to register affected workers, identify their problems, and provide appropriate support.
