In an abrupt change of policy, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has temporarily stopped granting tourist and work visas to nationals from nine countries, including parts of South Asia and Africa. This is a serious knock-on effect on expatriate communities, the travel industry and the diplomatic community.
List of Countries to Suffer UAE Visa Suspension
Reports that have surged recently and a purported leaked internal immigration circular confirms that the suspension applies to citizens from the nine countries mentioned below:
- Afghanistan
- Libya
- Yemen
- Somalia
- Lebanon
- Bangladesh
- Cameroon
- Sudan
- Uganda
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It should be noted that current visas are not canceled, and existing holders of UAE tourist or work permits are still allowed to enter and operate according to the terms already accorded.
Why Did the UAE Stop Issuing Tourist & Work Visas?
This has not been formally announced to the public as the foundation for the other evidence, but several credible sources have pointed to the following driving factors:
Security concerns: Among core issues seemed to be risks associated with the forgery of documents, unregulated migrations and cross-border crimes.
Public health & pandemic legacy protocols: The most horrible waves of COVID-19 have passed, health screening and concerns over disease control are part of the overall immigration mix.
Immigration tightening: Part of overall strategy for 2026 appears to be more robust identity verification procedures with streamlined processes and tighter control at borders.
What Travellers & Workers Should Know?
If you are from one of the affected countries or planning trip:
Confirm Your Visa Status: If you currently have a valid visa for the UAE, check official information to confirm that it holds up.
Look into other forms of visas: Business, transit or even investment-based visas can be accessed under different conditions through UAE.
Seek diplomatic assistance: Embassies or consulates of your country may be able to give guidance or do temporary fixes.
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Stay updated on official UAE immigration releases: As this is a temporary suspension, changes might come around very soon and keep yourself updated through UAE governmental portals.
What is Next with UAE Immigration Policy?
This suspension seems part of broader sweeping changes in dealing with immigration in the UAE. The government is expected to implement stricter identity and document verification processes.
Also an increase in digital tracking with biometric checks or centralized traveler databases. Dismantle visa categories with revised risk metrics and balance the twin pillars of security with keeping the UAE as a global destination for business, tourism and expatriates
This remains to be determined, and it is also uncertain how long this temporary visa freeze will last. The most unforeseeable, according to speculation now, is that the removal or relaxation of restrictions will rely on the affected countries cooperating on the three areas of security, health screening and documentation standards.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and reflects the situation as of now. Visa policies may change always check official UAE sources before travel.
