UAE blocks visas of Afghanistan, Lebanon, Sudan, Somalia, Bangladesh, Yemen, Cameroon, Uganda, and Libya citizens amid security and health reviews.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has temporarily suspended new applications for tourist and work visas from citizens of nine countries, in a move officials say is tied to national security, public health, and migration control policies.
The suspension, which took effect immediately, impacted nationals from Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Sudan, and Uganda. Those who already hold valid visas are not affected and may continue to travel to, live, and work in the country as normal.
The UAE, one of the Middle East’s top destinations for foreign workers and tourists, has not specified how long the suspension will remain in place. Officials described the measure as part of its broader 2026 visa framework, aimed at balancing the country’s economic needs with public safety and demographic management.
The decision carries significant implications for both individuals and industries. Job seekers from Bangladesh, Sudan, and Cameroon — many of whom make up a key part of the UAE’s construction, retail, and domestic work sectors — face delays in employment opportunities. Recruitment agencies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are already reporting cancellations and postponements of contracts.
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Tourism operators also expect short-term disruption. Airlines, travel agencies, and hotels that rely on visitors from East Africa and South Asia have begun receiving cancellations, with some industry figures warning of potential revenue losses if the suspension lasts for months.
Analysts say the move highlights the UAE’s ongoing efforts to regulate migration flows while maintaining national security. “This is a careful balancing act for the government,” said a regional migration expert based in Abu Dhabi. “The UAE is a magnet for workers, but it also needs to manage population pressures and health considerations, particularly in light of global mobility challenges.”
Officials have urged affected individuals to monitor updates through official channels, including the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and the UAE’s online visa portals.
Once the suspension is lifted, citizens of the affected countries will be able to resume applying for tourist and work visas through embassies, consulates, and authorized online platforms.
The UAE hosts over 9 million expatriates, forming nearly 90 percent of its population, making visa policy a key element of its economic and social planning.
