UAE suspends entry from Bangladesh

Return of several hundred Bangladeshi migrant workers to their workplaces in the UAE has become uncertain as the Gulf country yesterday suspended entry for travellers from Bangladesh and three other Asian countries.

They are Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. This decision will come to an effect from May 12.

The UAE's National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority and Civil Aviation tweeted: "Suspension of entry for travelers from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka on national and foreign flights, also for transit passengers, with the exception of transit flights traveling to UAE and bound for these countries."

Officials of different recruiting agencies said Bangladeshi migrant workers will face difficulties in regard to returning to their workplaces in the UAE due to the fresh announcement.

Visa and work permit of many migrant workers may expire if the suspension remains valid for a long period, they said.

The UAE's decision exempts transit flights coming to the UAE and heading towards these countries, reports Gulf News.

This decision is applicable to the entry of travellers who were in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka in the last 14 days before coming to the UAE.

However, flights between these countries and the UAE will continue to operate, allowing the transportation of passengers from the UAE to those countries.

Some categories are exempt from the travel suspension. These include UAE citizens, diplomatic missions and official delegations.

However, they will be subject to some precautionary measures that include a Covid-19 negative result valid for 48 hours.

The authorities also called upon all travellers affected by the decision to follow up with the relevant airlines to change or reschedule their flights and to ensure their safe return to their final destinations without delay.