The United Arab Emirates has paused issuing new visas for citizens from nine countries in Africa and Asia, a move tied to security, health, and immigration system reforms.

Who’s affected?

The suspension applies to nationals from Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Sudan, and Uganda.

People from these countries cannot currently apply for new tourist visas or work permits.

However, this is not a total travel ban. Those who already have valid visas can still live, work, and travel in the UAE without restrictions.

Why the ban?

Although the UAE hasn’t released an official statement, several factors seem to be at play:

- Security concerns: past cases of document fraud, identity theft, and illegal migration risks have triggered similar moves in the past.

- Diplomatic considerations: visa policies often reflect wider regional or political dynamics.

- Health precautions: lingering pandemic-era concerns about screening standards and preventing the spread of new variants.

- Migration reforms: the UAE is upgrading its visa systems, focusing on digital verification and tighter documentation.

Impact on people and businesses

The decision is already being felt:

- Employers in industries like construction, domestic work, and retail are struggling to recruit staff.

- Workers from affected countries face challenges renewing or updating permits.

- Families abroad could be hit financially, since remittances from workers in the UAE play a big role in supporting local economies in places like Bangladesh, Sudan, and Cameroon.

- Tourism and travel sectors are also adjusting, as airlines, travel agencies, and hotels lose potential visitors from these markets.

What’s next?

The suspension is open-ended but not permanent. Once lifted, citizens of the affected countries will again be able to apply for visas through the usual channels—online portals, consulates, and immigration offices—subject to requirements like valid passports, health checks, and vaccination rules.

For now, though, both businesses in the UAE and families abroad are waiting to see when the restrictions will ease and under what conditions. Photo by Baldie, Wikimedia commons.