Dhaka, May 04 (V7N) – In a significant diplomatic development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has resumed issuing a limited number of visit visas for Bangladeshi citizens after a prolonged suspension. The announcement came following a meeting between UAE Ambassador Abdullah Ali Al Humoodi and Lutfeh Siddiqui, Special Envoy of the Chief Adviser, held at Siddiqui's office in Dhaka.

During the meeting, Ambassador Al Humoodi commended Siddiqui's proactive diplomatic engagements, particularly his recent ministerial-level meetings with the UAE government that focused on easing visa processes and enhancing investment ties. He stated that the UAE Embassy in Dhaka is currently issuing 30 to 50 visit visas per day.

In a further boost to bilateral relations, the UAE has expedited visa issuance for business representatives, enhancing both people-to-people contact and commercial collaboration. Additionally, the UAE Ministry of Human Resources has reopened its online employment visa portal for skilled Bangladeshi workers.

In recent weeks, visas have already been issued for various professions, including marketing managers, hotel staff, and others. Notably, 500 visas for security guards have been issued, and another 1,000 visas have been approved and are expected to be released soon.

Ambassador Humoodi also mentioned that visa flexibility will be maintained for humanitarian cases and special recommendations from the Bangladesh government.

Special Envoy Lutfeh Siddiqui welcomed the progress and thanked the UAE Ambassador for his continued cooperation and openness. He also highlighted a major milestone in bilateral economic relations: the start of negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with the terms of reference already finalized.

A high-level UAE cabinet delegation is expected to visit Bangladesh later this month, aiming to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and labor relations.

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