The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has temporarily suspended issuing tourist and work visas to citizens of nine African and Asian countries, as reported by The Times of India, citing an internal immigration circular. This significant policy shift carries wide-ranging economic, diplomatic, and humanitarian implications.
UAE Visa Ban 2026: Which Countries Are Affected and Why?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has temporarily suspended new tourist and work visa applications for citizens of nine countries across Africa and Asia, according to reports citing a confidential immigration circular. This measure, part of the UAE's broader 2026 visa strategy, takes effect immediately and remains indefinite, with no set review date. Importantly, it's a visa issuance ban--not a full travel restriction. Holders of existing valid UAE visas can continue living, working, or visiting without interruption.
The Affected Countries
As of 2026, nationals from the following nine countries are prohibited from submitting fresh applications for tourist visas or work permits:
- Uganda
- Sudan
- Somalia
- Cameroon
- Libya
- Afghanistan
- Yemen
- Lebanon
- Bangladesh
This policy targets high-risk entry points to streamline immigration controls, but it spares current residents and travellers with approved visas.
Why the Ban? Key Reasons Behind the UAE's Decision
The UAE government hasn't issued an official statement, but reports point to a mix of security, geopolitical, and health factors driving this shift. Here's a breakdown:
Security Concerns
National security tops the list of unofficial explanations. The UAE has a history of similar restrictions to combat document fraud, terrorism risks, illegal migration, identity discrepancies, and forged paperwork. This ban acts as a proactive safeguard, blocking potential threats from unverified or fraudulent entries to maintain public safety.
Geopolitical Tensions
Strained diplomatic relations with some nations likely played a role. Immigration policies have previously served as tools for signalling or managing broader foreign policy disputes, as seen in past UAE actions against countries with tense bilateral ties.
Public Health and Pandemic Protocols
Lingering COVID-19 safeguards continue to influence visa decisions, underscoring the UAE's focus on border health management. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in cross-border disease control, including gaps in health screenings, under-resourced medical systems in origin countries, and the threat of new virus variants from under-monitored areas. This policy helps mitigate those ongoing risks.
This visa suspension could ripple through economies reliant on UAE remittances and tourism, affecting airlines, hotels, and expatriate communities. While temporary, it highlights the UAE's evolving approach to migration amid global challenges. For the latest updates, check official UAE immigration channels or consult a visa specialist.
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