According to a Times of India report, the United Arab Emirates has temporarily suspended the issuance of tourist and work visas for citizens of nine nations, effective immediately. The report states that although no official confirmation has been released, an internal immigration circular accessed by multiple media outlets, suggests this major policy shift. The declaration is part of UAE’s 2026 visa ban and affects immigrants from around five African and four other countries. Individuals who already hold valid UAE visas are not affected by this suspension.
Countries affected and what this means
The ban covers nine countries across Africa and Asia, indicating a policy influenced by global rather than regional concerns. This includes Uganda, Sudan, Somalia, Cameroon, and Libya, as well as South and Western Asia, including Afghanistan, Yemen, Lebanon, and Bangladesh.
No ban on Ugandans, says UAE envoy
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) envoy to Uganda, Abdalla Hassan AlShamsi, has dismissed reports suggesting a visa ban on Ugandan nationals. Speaking to the media (report via OpenGovUg), AlShamsi, the Head of Mission and UAE Ambassador to Uganda,clarified that no official communication about such a ban has been issued. “What is circulating out there is false,” he stated.
Bangladeshi envoy denies UAE visa ban reports
The Bangladeshi Ambassador to the UAE, Tareq Ahmed, on Saturday dismissed claims that the UAE had imposed a visa ban on Bangladeshi citizens, calling the reports “malicious” (Dhaka Tribune). The clarification came after travel website uaevisaonline.com listed Bangladesh among nine countries allegedly under a ban. Tareq emphasised that the embassy had received no communication from the UAE government regarding any restriction and said that the website cited is merely a visa processing centre with no official authority.
Reason Behind the Suspension
Although authorities have not issued an official explanation, analysts, according to Times of Dubai, suggest the suspension is driven by a combination of safety, political, and health concerns. Nationals of these countries cannot submit new tourist or work visa applications, but those with existing valid visas may continue to enter, live, and work in the UAE.
Safety concerns:
Increased fraudulent activities and identity verification issues have reportedly led to a visa freeze. Preventive measures aim to reduce risks associated with forged documents, unlawful migration, and potential security threats.
Health Concerns
Residual COVID-19 protocols appear to influence visa policies. Experts point to ignorance in healthcare systems in some countries and the risk of virus variants among migrants from nations with less developed public health infrastructures.
Migration Management
The UAE is also focused on streamlining immigration procedures, digitise paperwork, and curb identity fraud. Inconsistent documentation among visa applicants has turned out to be the primary administrative challenge.
Diplomatic and Geopolitical Factors
Tense or complex bilateral relations with some affected countries may also play a role. Visa policies can sometimes suggest broader diplomatic stances or act as preventive measures in international relations.
Key Implications:
- Staffing agencies, companies, and diplomatic offices are awaiting official clarification.
- No end date for the suspension has been announced.
- The ban impacts both prospective workers and tourists, potentially redirecting applicants to alternative destinations.
Economic and Social Consequences
Workforce Disruption
Jobseekers from affected nations, particularly in sectors like construction, domestic work, and retail, will face challenges in finding opportunities. Companies reliant on skilled or semi-skilled labour are experiencing delays in hiring.
Workers from countries like Bangladesh, Sudan, and Cameroon send critical remittances home. The visa freeze disrupts these income flows, affecting vulnerable economies in multiple regions.
Tourism Slowdown
Tour operators, airlines, and hospitality services focused on African and South Asian tourists face cancelled or postponed itineraries. Prospective visitors must adjust travel plans amid ongoing uncertainty.
What Happens When the Ban is Lifted?
While indefinite, the visa ban is not permanent. Once lifted, nationals from the nine countries can resume visa applications via: UAE online visa portals, Embassies and consulates and Authorised immigration offices