by 
Dhaka Gate
Discussions are underway between Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to ease visa procedures for Bangladeshi citizens, according to Mohammad Rasheduzzaman, Bangladesh Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
Speaking to Khaleej Times during the 55th Independence and National Day celebrations of Bangladesh on April 24, Rasheduzzaman highlighted that approximately one million Bangladeshis currently reside in the UAE. However, the complexity of obtaining visas has hindered further growth in this number. “We are engaging with the UAE government to simplify the visa process for Bangladeshis. Bangladeshi workers and entrepreneurs across various industries are contributing to the UAE’s economic development, and we want them to be part of the UAE’s success story,” he said.
The Consul General also outlined enhancements in consular services for Bangladeshis in the UAE. “We are providing special consular services three days a week—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—across various locations in the UAE. Our team is visiting other emirates to offer on-the-spot consular assistance, helping those who cannot visit the consulate due to time or financial constraints,” he explained. Additionally, a help desk has been established at the consulate to protect less-educated workers from exploitative brokers by ensuring access to accurate information.
Rasheduzzaman further revealed that mobile consular services have been introduced, offering comprehensive support to Bangladeshis over three days.
On the economic front, discussions are ongoing for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Bangladesh and the UAE, though talks remain in the preliminary stage. “The bilateral trade volume between Bangladesh and the UAE currently stands at $1.5 billion. A successful CEPA could significantly multiply this figure,” the Consul General noted.
Beyond trade, Bangladesh is seeking UAE investments in sectors such as ICT, renewable energy, infrastructure, port facilities, agro-processing, and halal meat processing for export. These initiatives aim to strengthen the economic ties between the two nations.
AI/MR
