Staff Reporter:
A strong demand has emerged for the resumption of work permits and tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The prolonged suspension of visa processing has negatively impacted the country’s labor market, depriving a large number of Bangladeshi workers of promising employment opportunities.
Experts note that the Middle East—particularly the UAE—is one of Bangladesh’s major sources of remittances. Every year, a significant amount of foreign currency flows into the country through expatriate earnings, with a substantial portion coming from the UAE. Bangladeshi workers are in high demand across various industrial hubs such as Dubai and Sharjah, especially in sectors like construction, services, and transportation, where their skills and dedication have already been widely recognized.
However, due to the current visa complications, it has become difficult to send new workers from Bangladesh despite the existing demand. As a result, Bangladeshi business owners in the UAE are facing serious challenges. They report that even when they need manpower to expand or sustain their operations, they are unable to recruit workers from Bangladesh and are instead forced to rely on labor from other countries. This has led to increased costs and reduced employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers.
Shefali Akter Akhi (CIP), a prominent Bangladeshi businesswoman based in the UAE and Managing Partner of Al Borak Group of Companies, said, “Bangladeshi workers are skilled and hardworking, and there is clear demand for them here. But due to the visa restrictions, we are unable to employ people from our own country. This is very disappointing.”
She further added, “To resolve this issue, the Bangladesh government must take swift and effective measures. Strengthening diplomatic engagement, arranging high-level meetings, and reaching bilateral agreements could help overcome the current deadlock.”
Stakeholders believe that reopening the visa process would not only benefit the labor market but also have a positive impact on the overall economy. It would boost remittance inflows, create new employment opportunities, and strengthen the country’s foreign income sources.
Bangladeshi expatriates are urging the relevant authorities to take immediate action. They remain hopeful that through diplomatic initiatives, the issue will be resolved soon, allowing Bangladeshi workers to actively participate once again in the UAE labor market.
