UAE Restricts Work and Tourist Visa Applications for 9 Countries: 2026 Update

In a major immigration development reported by the Times of India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a temporary restriction on issuing new work and tourist visas for citizens of nine countries across Africa and Asia. While the policy is still under review and lacks a full official statement, several media outlets reference a confidential immigration circular suggesting that this ban forms part of the UAE’s 2026 visa strategy.

Which Countries Are Affected

According to the reports, citizens of the following nine nations will not be able to apply for new tourist or work visas starting 2026:

• Afghanistan

• Libya

• Yemen

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  Somalia

• Lebanon

• Bangladesh

• Cameroon

• Sudan

• Uganda

Important note: those who already hold valid visas or permits from the UAE will not be impacted by the new restriction.

Why the UAE is Imposing This Restriction

Although the UAE has not formally published reasons, media and policy analysts suggest multiple factors:

1. Security concerns — heightened worries about fraudulent documents, irregular migration, and national safety.

2. Migration management — managing incoming flows, ensuring compliance with immigration norms.

3. Health & public policy — lingering public health measures and screening duties post-pandemic may have influenced decisions.

Impact on Travelers, Businesses, and Relations

The restriction is expected to have broad ripple effects:

• Labor Markets & Migrant Workers: Sectors dependent on international labor—such as construction, domestic work, healthcare—will face gaps in recruitment. Workers from the affected countries hoping for employment in the UAE will need alternative plans.

• Tourism & Hospitality: United Arab Emirates’ tourism sector might see a drop in visitors from the affected nations—impacting revenues in hotels, restaurants, and allied industries.

• Diplomatic Relations: Countries on the list, especially in Asia and Africa, may seek clarifications or negotiate bilateral discussions, especially if significant legal or human impacts are felt.

• Existing Visa Holders: Good news for them—they remain unaffected. Their right to continue living, travelling, or working as per their current valid documents stands unchanged.

What Happens Next

With the policy apparently set to take effect immediately (or in early 2026), several procedural questions remain:

• There is no public timetable yet for lifting the ban. UAE authorities have not confirmed the reports.

• Applicants from affected countries may be advised to monitor official UAE immigration portals, embassies, or consular services for updates.

• Travel & business planning will need to adapt—alternatives such as other travel destinations, or visa options in different countries may be explored.

What Affected Nationals Should Do Now

To minimize disruption, those from the affected countries can take several steps:

• Confirm with local UAE embassy or consulate whether you are affected or whether an official notice has been issued.

• If you already hold a valid UAE visa or work permit, check whether renewal services or extensions will be permitted.

• Avoid booking new travel or employment commitments to UAE until the situation stabilizes.

• Consider alternate travel or immigration routes (neighboring countries, other Gulf states, or visa-on-arrival destinations) if your plans depend on travel.

Broader Implications & Takeaways

The reported UAE policy reflects several broader trends in global migration and travel:

• Policy Tightening: Many nations are rethinking visa & immigration policies post-COVID to address both security and public health concerns.

• Selective Restrictions: Rather than a blanket global ban, targeted restrictions for specific countries are becoming more common.

• Uncertainty & Communication Gaps: Without an official announcement, misinformation or confusion can spread, as seen in the Bangladesh ambassador’s response calling some reports “unauthentic” or “fake news.”

Conclusion

Although still unconfirmed by UAE’s immigration authorities, the Times of India report of visa restrictions for nine countries constitutes a significant development. If implemented as described, the policy could reshape migration, travel, and economic relations for affected nations.

Affected individuals—especially migrant workers, travellers, and businesses—must stay updated through official channels before making new travel or work plans. As with many such policies, clarity usually comes over time, but planning ahead is essential.