The Times of India reported, citing an internal immigration circular, that the United Arab Emirates has temporarily suspended issuing work and tourist visas to citizens of nine African and Asian nations, marking a significant policy shift with wide-ranging economic, diplomatic, and humanitarian ramifications.
Which nations are prohibited from obtaining a UAE visa?
According to the report, which cited a classified immigration circular, the UAE has temporarily halted new visa applications from specific nations. These nations are —
- fghanistan
- Libya
- Yemen
- Somalia
- Lebanon
- Bangladesh
- Cameroon
- Sudan
- Uganda
As of 2026, residents of these nine countries are prohibited from applying for tourist visas and work permits in the UAE. This policy continues indefinitely, with no specified timeline for review or potential changes.
Notably, the circular has been issued for a visa ban rather than a full travel ban. Citizens of the specified countries holding valid UAE visas remain unaffected and continue to have the legal right to live or work in the UAE, the report said.
What is the reason for the UAE’s ban?
The research highlights a number of causes that led to this decision, even though the UAE government has not offered an official explanation.
Security issues
National security is the most often mentioned justification in unofficial reports. Similar procedures have already been implemented in the UAE in response to worries about identity theft, illegal migration, document fraud, and threats associated with terrorism. According to the article, the prohibition is a precautionary move to shield the nation from potential threats associated with phoney or unconfirmed entries.
Tensions in geopolitics
The visa policy may have been impacted by bilateral disputes between the UAE and some other nations. Previous examples suggest that immigration laws are sometimes employed to control or represent more general diplomatic positions.
Protocols for pandemics and public health
COVID-19 As a reflection of continuous health and safety efforts, 19 processes appear to still be included in the UAE’s visa screening procedure. According to the study, the pandemic exposed flaws in the way cross-border health concerns were handled. Incomplete health checks, underfunded healthcare systems in certain nations, and the possibility of viral variations spreading from less-monitored areas have all been cited as causes for concern, the research stated.