UAE to Suspend Tourist and Work Visas from Nine Countries in 2026

(UNITED ARAB EMIRATES) The United Arab Emirates has paused the issuance of new tourist and work visas for citizens of nine countries, with the restriction tied to a planned 2026 implementation, according to multiple media reports and an internal immigration circular circulating among industry stakeholders. As of late 2025, there is no public decree from UAE authorities in the official record confirming the policy, but recruitment agencies, travel firms, and applicants report denials and stalled processing that align with a broad UAE visa suspension affecting these nationalities. Officials in some affected countries have publicly questioned the reports, leaving applicants and employers in a state of uncertainty.

The reported suspension covers new applications only; people from the listed countries who already hold valid UAE visas can continue living and working in the Emirates under their current status. Authorities and visa service providers stress that this is a visa issuance halt, not a blanket travel ban. Transit, diplomatic travel, and other special categories may proceed under existing rules, but new tourist and work visas are the focus of the restriction. The policy, as described by media outlets, is open-ended and could be adjusted by the UAE government before or after the 2026 implementation target.

Policy changes — who is affected

Under the reported measures, the nine countries affected are:

• Afghanistan
• Libya
• Yemen
• Somalia
• Lebanon
• Bangladesh
• Cameroon
• Sudan
• Uganda

These names appear consistently in media accounts, though some embassies have denied receiving formal notice. Bangladesh’s representatives in the Emirates called the reports “fake news” and said they have not received a formal directive. Uganda’s ambassador to the UAE made similar remarks. At the same time, visa consultancies report a pattern of application rejections or holds for these nationalities, especially for first-time applicants seeking work or tourism entry.

This conflicting picture often emerges when policy shifts move from internal guidance to practical enforcement before a public announcement.

What the internal circular reportedly says

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the internal circular describes:

• A broad halt to new tourist and employment-related visa issuance for the nine countries
• An emphasis on tighter screening and system upgrades as part of a wider migration-management push

These steps have fed expectations that a 2026 implementation will formalize the suspension in publicly available guidance — unless the policy is changed or lifted.

Possible motivations behind the move

What’s driving the move remains largely speculative without an official UAE statement. Common theories include:

• Security and document integrity concerns — identity fraud and irregular migration top analysts’ lists
• Digitization and verification upgrades — the UAE is modernizing immigration systems to unify data and improve checks
• Diplomatic factors — shifting regional relationships can influence entry rules
• Administrative recalibration — the suspension may be temporary while systems are upgraded
• Public health is mentioned by a few experts but appears secondary at this stage

Impact on applicants and industry

For affected workers, families, and businesses the consequences may be significant.

Key practical impacts:
– First-time job seekers from countries like Bangladesh, Sudan, and Cameroon may lose access to one of the Gulf’s most active labor markets.
– Recruiters will likely shift sourcing to other countries and workers may reroute to different destinations.
– Remittances to families at home could fall, affecting household budgets and education costs.

Tourism and transport:
– Flight bookings and tour packages for travelers from the nine countries could dip due to confusion and delays.
– Travel agencies, airlines, and hotels may need to revise sales plans and offer flexible refund or voucher policies.

Employers and hiring:
– Small and mid-sized firms hiring entry-level staff may face higher recruitment costs and tighter hiring pools.
– Sectors with rapid hiring cycles—cleaning, retail, hospitality—could see schedule and capacity pressures.
– Larger firms with compliance teams will adapt faster but may still face longer onboarding times.

Renewals and status changes:
– People already in the UAE with valid visas are reportedly not targeted and may continue under current permits.
– However, renewal and status-change policies can be adjusted; applicants should expect case-by-case reviews and extra processing time.
– Employers sponsoring renewals may need to provide additional documentation showing contract continuity and good standing.

Diplomatic responses and next steps

Diplomatic messaging has been mixed:

• Some governments have requested clarity from the UAE and advised citizens to use official channels before paying agents.
• Others have publicly denied that a ban exists, adding to confusion.

A formal UAE statement could clarify exceptions, reviews, or phased changes ahead of 2026.

What to watch for next (three decisive items):

1. A public statement from UAE authorities confirming categories covered, exact start date, and any exceptions (humanitarian, diplomatic, specialist).
2. A review cycle — potential periodic assessments focused on data security, document verification, and diplomatic engagement.
3. Renewals and status-switch rules — clarity on whether residents can change sponsorships or statuses (e.g., family to work).

In the meantime, rely on official sources for updates. The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security regularly posts policy notices and service advisories; its website is a key reference for any change to visa issuance or procedures. For authoritative updates, check the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security.

Practical guidance for applicants, employers and service providers

Recommendations to reduce risk while uncertainty persists:

• Rely only on official channels and UAE government portals or embassies/consulates for visa information.
• Avoid intermediaries promising workarounds or charging upfront fees for visas that may not be issued.
• Keep key documents current and verifiable:
  • Valid passport
  • Employment contracts
  • Tenancy records
  • Civil documents (birth, marriage, education certificates)
• Employers should:
  • Map workforce needs through 2026
  • Identify roles most affected and plan training to promote internal mobility
  • Work with licensed recruitment partners who follow the law and provide transparent timelines
• Recruiters and firms:
  • Explore alternative source countries
  • Consider partnerships and longer-term talent pipelines within the UAE
  • Offer customers clear communication about the difference between a visa issuance pause and a travel ban

Human and economic consequences

The human side is central:

• Parents worry about relatives who may be unable to visit.
• New parents worry about bringing relatives for childcare.
• Contracted workers face uncertainty about switching employers or returning home.
• Community groups are sharing tips on legal options such as renewing eligible permits early, maintaining continuous employment, and keeping records clean to ease future verification.

Economic stakes:
– Remittances support daily living, schooling, and health care in the affected countries.
– A prolonged suspension may push families to cut spending or take on debt.
– Airlines and tour operators are already adjusting: flexible refunds, credit vouchers, and enhanced customer service scripts to explain visa issuance pauses.

Likely scenarios and final takeaways

Policy watchers note that Gulf migration systems evolve with technology upgrades and bilateral talks. Outcomes may include:

• A revision or lifting of the suspension if verification reforms complete quickly
• Tightening of rules if security or diplomatic risks increase
• Possible humanitarian or specialist exceptions for limited arrivals

Core facts applicants and employers can rely on today:

• The reported suspension applies to new tourist and work visa applications for citizens of nine countries, with a target 2026 implementation if formalized.
• People from those countries who already hold valid UAE visas are reportedly not targeted and can continue life and work.
• This is a visa issuance pause, not a blanket travel embargo — but new entries for tourism or work will be blocked if visas cannot be issued.
• No official confirmations or detailed exceptions have been published; public guidance may change.

Until official rules are posted, double-check requirements directly with UAE government portals and through UAE embassies or consulates. Keep documents up to date and avoid paying for unverifiable promises. The coming months will determine whether the 2026 implementation moves forward as reported, whether the nine-country list changes, and whether limited exceptions are announced. A clear, public announcement from the UAE would give applicants, families, and businesses the certainty needed to plan their next steps.