Outlook Business Desk
The United Arab Emirates has suspended the issuance of tourist and work visas for citizens of nine countries across Africa and Asia in 2026. This temporary move marks a sharp policy change with significant diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian implications for the affected nations.
While the UAE has not issued any official confirmation, an internal immigration circular notice indicates a significant policy change. Nationals from Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Sudan, and Uganda cannot apply for tourist or work visas in 2026, with no review date announced.
The suspension does not apply to existing visa holders. Citizens from the nine listed countries who already have valid UAE visas can still reside, work, and move within the Emirates without any interruption to their current status.
According to sources and analysts, national security is a key factor behind the suspension. Past UAE actions have addressed forged documents, identity theft, and unlawful migration. The current freeze is viewed as a preventive step to block fraudulent or unverified visa entries.
The UAE’s visa policy may also be shaped by sensitive or complicated relations with certain countries. In the past, immigration measures have often been applied as tools to signal or manage broader diplomatic and geopolitical positions.
Health concerns remain relevant even in the post-pandemic era. The UAE has reportedly considered factors such as incomplete health screening, weak healthcare systems in certain countries, and the potential spread of virus variants. These issues continue to shape immigration reviews and visa policy reforms.
The suspension has disrupted expatriate labour flows. Workers from affected countries often fill roles in construction, retail, and domestic work. Recruitment delays, limited renewals, and blocked job opportunities have left businesses struggling to source manpower while workers face uncertainty about their future prospects abroad.
Remittances from UAE workers play a vital role in supporting families in countries like Bangladesh, Sudan, and Cameroon. The visa suspension risks cutting this financial lifeline, creating economic pressure on nations already reliant on income sent home by migrants.
The suspension is temporary not permanent. When lifted, nationals of the nine affected countries can resume applying for UAE visas via online portals and consulates, adhering to standard requirements like valid passports, vaccination records, and health clearances.