UAE to Suspend New Tourist, Work Visas for Citizens of Nine Countries From 2026
DUBAI, UAE – The United Arab Emirates will temporarily suspend the processing of new tourist and work visas for citizens of nine countries starting in 2026, according to an internal immigration circular.
The move, which affects nations across Africa and Asia, represents a significant shift in the Gulf nation's immigration policy, though it has not yet been formally announced by the federal government.
The suspension applies to nationals from the following countries:
- Afghanistan
- Libya
- Yemen
- Somalia
- Lebanon
- Bangladesh
- Cameroon
- Sudan, and
- Uganda
Importantly, the policy is a visa issuance ban, not a travel ban; individuals who already possess valid UAE residency or visit visas are unaffected and can continue to live and work in the country.
Key Rationale Behind the Decision
While an official statement is pending, analysts point to multiple factors influencing the decision:
Enhanced Security: The primary driver appears to be mitigating risks related to document fraud, illegal immigration, and terrorism. The UAE has previously taken similar measures following incidents of fraudulent documentation.
Diplomatic Relations: Complex or strained bilateral relations with some of the listed nations are believed to be a contributing factor, using immigration policy as a diplomatic tool.
Health and System Overhaul: Ongoing concerns about pandemic management and a broader effort to digitize and streamline immigration systems also play a role in the temporary halt.
Immediate Economic and Social Impact
The suspension is already causing ripple effects:
Labor Market Disruption: Employers, particularly in sectors like construction, retail, and domestic work that rely on labor from these countries, face potential hiring freezes and administrative delays.
Remittance Flows: Interruptions in new labor migration are expected to impact remittance flows to the affected countries, which depend heavily on earnings from abroad.
Tourism Adjustments: Airlines, tour operators, and hotels are beginning to adjust their marketing and flight capacities in anticipation of reduced visitor numbers from the nine nations.
Uncertain Timeline for Resolution
There is no official end date for the suspension. The UAE government is expected to review the policy periodically.
Once lifted, citizens of the affected countries will be able to resume applications through standard channels, including online portals and embassy services, subject to all prevailing entry requirements.
Stakeholders are advised to monitor official UAE government channels for updates and plan travel and recruitment strategies accordingly.
UAE Suspends New Tourist and Work Visa Applications for Citizens of Nine Countries from 2026 - FAQs
Q1: Which nine countries are affected by the UAE’s visa suspension starting 2026?
A1: Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Sudan, and Uganda are affected.
Q2: What types of visas are suspended for citizens of these countries?
A2: Both new tourist visas and work permits are temporarily suspended.
Q3: Will nationals from the affected countries holding valid UAE visas be affected?
A3: No, those with valid existing visas can continue living and working in the UAE legally.
Q4: When did the UAE announce this visa suspension policy?
A4: The suspension was implemented starting 2026, with the announcement made in late 2025.
Q5: Why has the UAE imposed this visa suspension?
A5: Although no official statement was released, the reasons include security concerns (fraud, identity theft, unlawful migration), diplomatic tensions, health and pandemic-related safety, and migration management reforms.
Q6: Is this a travel ban or a visa ban?
A6: It is a visa ban only, not a travel ban.
Q7: How long will this visa suspension last?
A7: The suspension is indefinite until further notice, with no official timeline provided for lifting the ban.
Q8: How does the suspension impact workers and businesses?
A8: It disrupts recruitment in sectors like construction, domestic work, and retail, delaying hiring of workers from the affected countries.
Q9: What are the implications for remittances?
A9: Workers from affected countries who send remittances home face disruption, impacting vulnerable economies.
Q10: Are there any diplomatic clarifications from affected countries?
A10: Some countries like Bangladesh and Uganda have denied official notification of a ban, calling reports premature or inaccurate.
Q11: How can affected nationals apply for UAE visas once the ban is lifted?
A11: They will apply through UAE online visa portals, embassies, consulates, and authorized immigration offices following standard visa procedures.
Q12: How is the UAE handling public health concerns in this policy?
A12: Residual COVID-19 protocols and concerns about virus variants in less equipped healthcare regions influence the suspension.
Q13: Is the UAE working on migration and visa process reforms?
A13: Yes, the suspension aligns with efforts to streamline visa issuance, digitize documentation, and reduce fraud.
Q14: Can people from these countries enter UAE via third countries?
A14: Some travelers explore visa-free or easier access routes through neighboring countries, though this varies case by case.
Q15: Where can travelers find official updates about UAE visa policies?
A15: Official information can be found on UAE government immigration portals, Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship, and relevant consular websites.
