Bangladesh extends entry visa validity for expatriate workers heading to the Middle East

The validity of entry visas for Bangladeshi migrant workers traveling to Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates has been extended by one month due to the ongoing Iran–Israel war situation.

The decision applies to expatriate workers who are currently on leave in Bangladesh and whose visas have either already expired or are about to expire.

The information was disclosed in a public notice issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.

According to the notice, many migrant workers are currently staying in Bangladesh on leave because of the ongoing war situation. Among them, a significant number are facing the expiration of their visas or are close to reaching the expiry date. However, under the current circumstances, it has become difficult for them to travel to the respective countries to renew their visas.

To address the issue and support migrant workers, several measures have been introduced.

The notice further stated that workers who returned to Bangladesh from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Bahrain must contact their respective employers, sponsors, or kafeels to renew their visas, or they may apply through online procedures.

It also mentioned that the governments of Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates have already decided to extend the validity of entry visas by one month for those whose visas have expired or are nearing expiration.

The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment said the public notice was issued to inform the concerned migrant workers and ensure that necessary steps can be taken accordingly.