Malayali Healthcare Workers Facing UAE Visa Curbs, Kerala CM Seeks PM Modi's Intervention

Published 7 June 2026 · health

Malayali Healthcare Workers Facing UAE Visa Curbs, Kerala CM Seeks PM Modi's Intervention Published By, Last Updated: June 07, 2026, 14:15 IST employees of the

Malayali Healthcare Workers Facing UAE Visa Curbs, Kerala CM Seeks PM Modi's Intervention Published By, Last Updated: June 07, 2026, 14:15 IST employees of the Dubai hospital said they had been left in limbo after the healthcare institution was shut down amid recent regional tensions. AI-generated image used for representational purpose. Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking urgent intervention on behalf of Indian healthcare professionals, predominantly Malayalis, who are reportedly facing visa-related difficulties in the United Arab Emirates. The health care workers are left in a limbo following the closure of the Iranian Hospital in Dubai. The Chief Minister’s intervention comes after a group of affected nurses and healthcare workers submitted a grievance petition detailing the hardships they have faced since losing their jobs at the hospital. The workers have urged authorities to help resolve what they describe as unexplained visa restrictions that are preventing them from securing new employment and continuing their lives in the UAE. Healthcare Workers Write To Kerala CM In a letter addressed to the Kerala Chief Minister, former employees of the Iranian Hospital said they had been left in limbo after the healthcare institution was shut down amid recent regional tensions.

According to the petition, many former staff members have encountered difficulties while applying for employment visas, visit visas and dependent visas. They claim that applications are being rejected with references to unspecified “security reasons" in the immigration system. The healthcare workers stressed that they have complied with UAE laws throughout their stay and have spent years serving in the country’s healthcare sector. Many of them also highlighted their role during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they worked on the frontlines caring for patients during one of the most challenging periods in the region’s healthcare history. Families Face Uncertainty The workers said the situation has created severe emotional and financial strain on hundreds of families. Several affected professionals have children enrolled in schools in the UAE, while others have spouses and dependents residing in the country. Many are currently living under a grace period following the termination of their employment, but fear they may soon be forced to leave if they fail to obtain new visas. Some healthcare workers who have already exited the UAE reportedly worry they could face long-term restrictions on re-entry, potentially jeopardising their careers, professional licences and future employment prospects in the Gulf region.