UAE renews work, visit visas for Bangladeshis

Staff Reporter :

Significant progress has been made in the resumption of visa issuance for Bangladeshi citizens by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following sustained diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

On Sunday, UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh, Abdullah Ali AlHmoudi, met with Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser, at his office in Dhaka. During the meeting, the ambassador praised Siddiqi’s active diplomatic efforts, which have included more than half a dozen high-level ministerial engagements focused on visa facilitation and investment cooperation.

According to the ambassador, the UAE Embassy in Dhaka is currently
issuing between 30 and 50 visit visas daily. Bulk visa applications, particularly for business delegations, are also being processed more efficiently, enhancing commercial links and people-to-people connectivity.

In a key development, the UAE Ministry of Human Resources has reactivated its online platform for skilled employment visa applications. This has enabled the issuance of work permits for professionals in sectors such as marketing and hospitality in recent weeks.

Additionally, 500 visas have already been issued for security personnel, with a further 1,000 applications approved and awaiting issuance. Officials expect a continued, gradual easing of visa restrictions moving forward.

The ambassador also signalled the UAE government’s willingness to consider humanitarian and compassionate visa requests submitted by the Bangladesh government on a case-by-case basis.

Special Envoy Siddiqi welcomed the recent developments, expressing gratitude for the UAE’s constructive engagement. He also acknowledged the initiation of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), noting that both parties have already agreed on the terms of reference.

A senior UAE cabinet delegation is expected to visit Bangladesh later this month to further advance bilateral relations.