UAE speeds up visa issuance for Bangladeshis after diplomatic talks

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has accelerated visa issuance for Bangladeshi nationals following sustained diplomatic engagement between the two countries, officials confirmed.

A high-level UAE cabinet delegation is expected to visit Bangladesh later this month to further enhance bilateral cooperation.

UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdulla Ali AlHmoudi met on Sunday with the Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy, Lutfey Siddiqi, to discuss a range of issues, including visa facilitation and investment.

During the meeting, Ambassador AlHmoudi informed Siddiqi that the UAE Embassy in Dhaka is currently issuing 30 to 50 visit visas daily. Bulk visa processing for business delegations has also been expedited, facilitating greater commercial and people-to-people exchanges.

In a key development, the UAE Ministry of Human Resources has reactivated its online portal for skilled employment visas, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad.

Recent weeks have seen visa approvals for professionals such as marketing managers and hotel staff. Additionally, 500 visas for security personnel have been issued, with another 1,000 approved and awaiting release.

The Ambassador indicated that further easing of visa restrictions is likely in the coming months. He also assured continued flexibility in considering humanitarian and compassionate visa requests flagged by Bangladeshi authorities.

Special Envoy Siddiqi welcomed the progress and thanked the Ambassador for his ongoing support. He also expressed appreciation for the launch of negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), noting that both sides have already agreed on the terms of reference.