The United Arab Emirates, UAE, has suspended new tourist and work visa applications for citizens of nine countries.
This move is part of the UAE’s 2026 visa policy changes aimed at enhancing national security, public health, and migration management.
The countries affected are Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Sudan, and Uganda.
Existing visa holders from these nations can continue to enter and reside in the UAE without disruption. However, new visa applications from these countries are on hold until further notice.
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The suspension is believed to be driven by concerns over security, migration control, and public health.
This has significant consequences for citizens of these countries, impacting travel plans, job prospects, and economic opportunities. Particularly affected are job seekers from Bangladesh, Sudan, and Cameroon, who contribute largely to sectors like construction, domestic work, and retail in the UAE.
The tourism industry is also expecting disruptions, with rising cancellations affecting airlines, travel agencies, and hotels serving visitors from African and South Asian countries.
Those impacted are advised to stay updated via official United Arab Emirates channels and can verify their visa status through the GDRFA portal or the UAE’s online visa system.
When the suspension is lifted, nationals of these countries will once again be able to apply for visas through UAE’s online portals, embassies, consulates, and authorized immigration offices.
Moving to the UAE is an exciting experience, but one of the first and often most stressful tasks is securing a visa. It’s non-negotiable if you’re planning a move to the United Arab Emirates. I wouldn’t even recommend booking your flights until you’ve secured visas for yourself and your family. Having a United Arab Emirates residence visa is ground zero for making the move to the country.
Whether you’re relocating for work, starting a business, or exploring life as a digital nomad, one of the most important steps is securing the right United Arab Emirates visa.
This guide covers the most common visa types, application steps, costs, renewal timelines, family sponsorship rules, and information about visa overstays and visa runs.
Sentinel
