UAE suspends tourist and work visa applications for nine countries: Full breakdown of the 2026 visa ban

Introduction: What’s the Scoop?

In September 2025, multiple media outlets published that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued an internal circular suspending the issuance of tourist visas and work permits for citizens of nine countries starting in 2026.

The suspension reportedly covers new visa applications only; individuals with existing valid visas would not be affected.

However, as of now, there is no official confirmation from UAE authorities (e.g. immigration ministry) publicly validating the ban.

This mixture of media reporting, internal circular leaks, and diplomatic denials makes the situation fluid and uncertain.

Which Countries Are Reportedly Affected?

According to multiple reports, the nine countries are (in no strict confirmed order) :

Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Cameroon
Lebanon
Libya
Somalia
Sudan
Uganda
Yemen

These lists stem from media citing an “internal immigration circular” but are not confirmed by UAE’s immigration or foreign affairs departments.

Notably, the Bangladesh embassy in the UAE has publicly denied that any visa ban has been imposed on Bangladeshi citizens, calling the social media reports “inauthentic” and stating no directive was received from the UAE government.

Similarly, the UAE ambassador to Uganda reportedly responded that no ban has been officially communicated.

Thus, some ambiguity remains about both the list and enforcement status.

Why the Suspension (Reported Rationale)

While no formal reason has been given by UAE officials, media and analysts suggest several possible motivations behind this move:

Possible Reason	Explanation / Supporting Observations
Security & Fraud Prevention	UAE may be facing increasing cases of identity fraud, document forgery, or unauthorized migration attempts. Restricting visa issuance from high-risk jurisdictions could be seen as a preventive measure.
Migration & Labor Control	The UAE might be seeking to tighten control over inflows of labor, especially in lower-skilled categories, and ensure better screening.
Health / Pandemic-Era Precautions	Though less emphasized in reports, lingering concerns about cross-border health management, virus variants, or public health risks might factor in.
Diplomatic or Geopolitical Signaling	Visa restrictions can function as a diplomatic tool or leverage in bilateral relations. Some countries on the list may have complex relations with the UAE or broader security challenges.

These rationales remain speculative until the UAE government publishes an official rationale or policy document.

What the Ban Does and Doesn’t Do (According to Reports)

✅ What the suspension is said to cover:

New applications only: Citizens of the affected countries supposedly cannot submit new tourist visa or work permit applications.
No effect on existing visa holders: People who already hold valid UAE visas, residency, or work permits should remain unaffected and continue to live or work in the UAE.
No timeline set: No official end date or condition for lifting the ban has been reported.

❌ What the suspension does not (reportedly) do:

It is not a total travel ban (i.e. the affected citizens are not banned from entering the UAE if they already have valid visas).
It does not retroactively cancel existing permits or visas — those are reportedly honored.
It does not explicitly affect transit visas or diplomatic/official passports (no detail reported yet).
It does not currently have public legal backing (i.e. no published decree or public notice has been found).

Potential Impacts & Responses

If the reports are accurate, the visa suspension could ripple across multiple sectors and stakeholders:

🇪🇩 Affected Migrant Workers & Job Seekers

Many aspiring expatriates from affected countries — especially in sectors such as construction, domestic work, hospitality, retail — may see opportunities reduced or blocked.
Remittance flows from UAE to these countries may drop, affecting households reliant on those incomes.

🏨 Tourism & Travel

Fewer tourists from those nine nations will be able to visit the UAE, affecting airlines, hotels, tour operators, and hospitality businesses.
Travel agencies and visa consultants would face cancellations, loss of business, or liability challenges.

💼 Employers & Recruitment Agencies

Firms that regularly recruit workers from those nations could face staffing shortages, increased costs, or delays in expansion plans.
Recruitment agencies may see pipeline disruptions, increased paperwork, or logistical challenges.

🎯 Diplomatic & Bilateral Relations

Affected countries may lodge formal protests or seek clarifications via diplomatic channels.
The denials from Bangladesh’s embassy and the Ugandan envoy suggest tensions already rising.

⚖️ Legal, Social & Humanitarian Dimensions

Some visa applicants may be stranded or financially burdened after investing in processing, travel plans, and related expenses.
Human rights advocates may raise concerns about fairness, due process, and transparency.

What to Watch / Next Steps for Affected Parties

Given the uncertainty, here’s what individuals, organizations, and governments should monitor and prepare for:

Official Statements from UAE
- Watch for press releases from UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP) or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Monitor UAE embassies in affected countries for circulars or notices.
Diplomatic Channels & Clarifications
- Affected countries may seek clarifications or exceptions.
- Embassies are likely to issue updates for their citizens.
Legal Recourse & Appeals
- Consult legal immigration experts to see if any avenues (e.g. appeals, humanitarian exceptions) may exist.
- Monitor for any published regulation or gazette in UAE’s Federal Laws.
Alternative Destination Planning
- Migrants and tourists may explore alternate countries or routes in the short term.
- Businesses might shift recruitment to other markets.
Updates from Travel & Visa Service Providers
- Visa processing companies, airlines, and travel agencies should clarify refund, cancellation, and advisory policies.
- Customers should demand written confirmation before making payments.

Caveats & Why Skepticism Is Warranted

No Public Confirmation: As of now, no UAE government body has publicly acknowledged or published a decree about this ban.
Diplomatic Denials: Some embassies (e.g. Bangladesh) have categorically denied the ban on their citizens.
Media Reliance on “Internal Circulars”: Much of the reporting stems from leaks or “internal immigration circulars,” which may or may not reflect final, enforceable policy.
Practical Enforceability: Even if the ban is real, implementing and policing it across visa systems, embassies, and online platforms may take time and may be partial.
Possible Reversals / Modifications: Such a sweeping move may be softened, regionally modified, or rolled back depending on diplomatic or economic pressures.

Conclusion

At present, the UAE’s reported suspension of tourist and work visa applications for nine countries under a 2026 visa ban is a serious and high-impact development — but one shrouded in uncertainty. The affected nations, applicants, and businesses should proceed with cautious skepticism while staying alert for official announcements and clarifications.

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