Dhaka, Dec 9 (NationPress) A significant number of Bangladeshi travelers are encountering a disturbing situation as officials in various nations are refusing entry at airports, even for those possessing valid visas and appropriate documentation.

The circumstances have worsened following the protests in July 2024, as political instability has prompted foreign governments to perceive Bangladesh as a potential source of asylum seekers, leading to more stringent visa evaluations, a report disclosed on Friday.

“The green Bangladeshi passport, previously regarded as a beacon of hope and prospects for countless individuals seeking improved lives abroad, has turned into a burden at immigration checkpoints worldwide. What is happening daily at airports across Southeast Asia, Western Asia, and beyond is not merely a migration crisis but a systematic collapse of trust, governance, and human dignity. Thousands of Bangladeshi citizens present at immigration counters with valid visas, only to be denied entry, held, and deported without clear reasons,” an article from the international news platform ‘Global Voices’ elaborated.

“In the first quarter of 2025, over 3,500 Bangladeshis were turned away from other countries and sent back to Bangladesh. These individuals were not criminals or immigration offenders. Many possessed legitimate tourist or visitor visas acquired through appropriate channels,” it further indicated.

The report noted that immigration measures against Bangladeshi nationals have expanded beyond Southeast Asia, with 52 Bangladeshis expelled from Italy, Austria, Greece, and Cyprus in late September 2025, followed by the deportation of 15 more from the United Kingdom on August 30, last year, due to immigration infractions.

It highlighted that the misuse of temporary visas for employment-related migration by Bangladeshis has triggered significant repercussions, undermining Bangladesh’s economic stability, social structure, and international reputation.

“Numerous Gulf and Southeast Asian countries have either entirely barred or significantly restricted the entry of Bangladeshi workers, providing no specific reopening timelines. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts and high-level discussions, Bangladesh has seen minimal success in reinstating these markets,” it was noted.

The latest Henley Passport Index 2025 places Bangladesh in the 100th position — its lowest ranking in recent years — alongside North Korea, reflecting a considerable decline in the global standing of the South Asian nation.

“Instances involving Bangladeshi nationals, visa infractions, unauthorized stays, and document forgery have become increasingly common across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Nations that once welcomed Bangladeshi visitors are now enforcing stricter entry protocols,” the report pointed out.

“Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand have enacted additional verification measures, while the United Arab Emirates quietly suspended most visa categories for Bangladeshis last year. Each policy alteration, though appearing isolated, cumulatively contributes to a gradual erosion of international confidence that influences passport strength,” it concluded.