The United Arab Emirates has suspended the issuance of tourist and work visas for citizens of five African countries under a policy scheduled to take effect in 2026.
- The UAE has suspended issuing tourist and work visas for citizens of specific countries, effective from 2026.
- Current visa holders from these nations residing in the UAE are not affected by the suspension.
- The policy impacts nationals from five African countries as well as Afghanistan, Yemen, Lebanon, and Bangladesh.
- The decision is attributed to concerns over fraudulent documents, irregular migration, and security risks.
According to an immigration circular distributed to recruitment agencies and travel offices, the suspension applies to Uganda, Sudan, Somalia, Cameroon, and Libya. It also extends to Afghanistan, Yemen, Lebanon, and Bangladesh.
The directive blocks new applications for tourist and work visas until further notice. However, nationals from these countries who already live and work in the UAE with valid visas will not be affected.
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Reasons Behind the Suspension
Although the UAE government has not issued an official statement, officials familiar with immigration policy say the suspension is linked to concerns about fraudulent documents, irregular migration, and security risks. The country has previously imposed temporary restrictions on some nationalities under similar circumstances.
Diplomatic and Health Considerations
Diplomatic considerations and public health protocols are also seen as factors. Gulf states have often used immigration measures to manage bilateral relations, while residual COVID-era screening rules continue to influence visa policies.
The directive coincides with an overhaul of the UAE’s immigration systems, including new digital verification processes.
Economic Impact on Africa
The implications for affected African states are significant, as the UAE remains a key destination for workers from East and Central Africa, particularly in construction, domestic services, and retail. Remittances from the Gulf provide vital household income and serve as an important source of foreign exchange for national economies.
Recruitment agencies in Kampala, Khartoum, and Mogadishu have already reported suspended contracts and applicants turned away, while employers in the UAE who depend on African labour are expected to face difficulties filling vacancies.
Also Read: Visa ban: UAE to block long-term visas for Ugandan nationals from January 2026
Next Steps
Officials in the affected countries are expected to seek clarification from Abu Dhabi, with Uganda already moving to explain the policy to its citizens. The measure is not a travel ban, and nationals holding valid visas can continue to live and work in the UAE.
The suspension reflects the UAE’s cautious approach to migration management as it seeks to balance security priorities, diplomatic relations, and reliance on foreign labour.
“Some people will still go, but it will be based on the risk of a person overstaying their visa or failing to respect the laws and culture of the UAE,” Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Henry Oryem said.
