Tejal Somvanshi
The United Arab Emirates has reportedly halted issuing tourist and work visas to citizens from nine countries. This change affects new applications from Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Sudan, and Uganda. The suspension is temporary but has no announced end date.
People already holding valid UAE visas can continue living and working in the country without problems. This is a visa suspension, not a travel ban. No UAE government office has publicly confirmed this policy change. Media reports cite an unnamed “confidential immigration circular” rather than an official announcement. This lack of confirmation creates uncertainty for affected travelers, workers, and businesses.
Adding to the confusion, news outlets don’t agree on which countries face restrictions. While most Indian media list the nine countries mentioned above, at least one outlet published a different set of nations including Algeria, Kenya, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, and Turkey.
Existing freelance visa holders aren’t affected by this change. This reported policy suggests broader changes to UAE immigration rules are happening.
Though officials haven’t explained the reported visa suspension, several possible reasons have emerged. Security concerns and preventing document fraud appear to be main factors.
The UAE also continues some pandemic-related health screening protocols. The country is working to improve its digital visa systems, which might require temporary processing changes.
This suspension could create problems for the UAE economy, which depends heavily on foreign workers. Construction sites, hotels, retail stores, and domestic services all rely on international labor. Many workers from the reportedly affected nations, especially Bangladesh and Uganda, fill key roles in these industries.
The policy is already changing travel patterns. Industry expert Dmitry Arutyunov notes travelers are now choosing countries that don’t require visas instead of dealing with UAE uncertainty.
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For those concerned about their status, checking with official UAE sources is essential:
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
The reports highlight potential disruptions for recruiters and sectors that rely on expatriate labor, particularly construction and domestic work. Companies that depend on skilled or semi-skilled labor from these countries may face recruitment delays.
The visa suspension could impact remittance flows to families in affected countries, particularly Bangladesh, Sudan, and Cameroon. These financial transfers are important economic lifelines for many families.
Tour operators, airlines, and hospitality businesses targeting tourists from the affected African and South Asian countries may need to adjust their plans and marketing strategies. Prospective visitors now face uncertainty in their travel planning.
Without official confirmation or timeline, those planning UAE travel or employment should verify their status through official channels rather than relying solely on media reports.
