DHAKA, Bangladesh — Thousands of Bangladeshi travelers are increasingly being denied entry at international airports despite holding valid visas and travel documents, as immigration authorities across multiple regions tighten scrutiny amid rising concerns over irregular migration.
The situation has worsened since mass demonstrations erupted in Bangladesh in July 2024, prompting several foreign governments to view the country as a potential source of asylum seekers. As a result, Bangladeshi nationals are facing tougher checks and, in many cases, outright refusal at immigration counters, according to a recent report.
“The green Bangladeshi passport, once a symbol of hope and opportunity for millions seeking better lives abroad, has become a liability at immigration counters worldwide. What unfolds daily at airports across Southeast Asia, Western Asia, and beyond is not merely a migration crisis but a systematic breakdown of trust, governance, and human dignity. Thousands of Bangladeshi citizens stand at immigration desks with valid visas in hand, only to be turned away, detained, and deported without clear explanations,” the report published by international news website Global Voices said.
It added that “in the first four months of 2025 alone, over 3,500 Bangladeshis were denied entry to other countries and deported back to Bangladesh. These were not criminals or immigration violators. Many held legitimate tourist or visitor visas obtained through proper channels.”
The report noted that such immigration actions are no longer limited to Southeast Asia. In late September 2025, 52 Bangladeshi nationals were deported from Italy, Austria, Greece, and Cyprus. Earlier, on August 30 last year, 15 Bangladeshis were deported from the United Kingdom over immigration violations.
According to the report, the misuse of temporary visas for employment-seeking migration by some Bangladeshi nationals has had broader consequences, damaging the country’s economic prospects, social fabric, and international reputation.
“Several Gulf and Southeast Asian nations have either completely blocked or severely limited Bangladeshi worker entry, offering no definite reopening dates. Bangladesh has achieved minimal success in reopening these markets despite ongoing diplomatic discussions and senior-level meetings,” it said.
The deteriorating situation is reflected in global rankings. The Henley Passport Index 2025 placed Bangladesh at 100th position, its lowest ranking in recent years, alongside North Korea, highlighting a sharp decline in the country’s global standing.
“Stories involving Bangladeshi nationals, visa violations, unauthorised stays, and document forgery have become relatively common throughout Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Countries that previously welcomed Bangladeshi visitors now impose stricter entry requirements,” the report stated.
It added that “Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand have introduced additional verification procedures, while the United Arab Emirates silently halted most visa categories for Bangladeshis last year. Each policy change, though seemingly isolated, contributes to an accumulated erosion of international confidence that determines passport strength.” (Source: IANS)
