UAE Visa Ban Update Today: 2026 Suspension on 9 Countries Explained

The UAE has suspended tourist and work visa applications for citizens of nine countries under a new 2026 immigration directive. The move affects nationals from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Uganda, and six other nations. Existing visa holders are not impacted by this update.

The decision, first reported by major outlets, is linked to security, health, and diplomatic concerns. While the UAE has not issued a formal public statement, an internal circular outlines the policy shift. The ban is indefinite and will remain until further notice.

Full Details of UAE Visa Ban Update Today

The UAE’s immigration authority has placed a temporary freeze on new visa applications from Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Sudan, and Uganda. Nationals from these countries cannot apply for either tourist visas or work permits starting 2026.

Authorities have clarified that this is not a full travel ban. Citizens from the listed nations with valid visas can continue living, working, and traveling legally within the UAE. The freeze only applies to new applications and extensions are being reviewed case by case.

Reuters reported that similar measures have been taken in the past, often in response to document fraud, security risks, and irregular migration. BBC News noted that the current policy aligns with broader UAE efforts to digitize its immigration system and strengthen identity verification. Analysts cited by AP added that public health protocols and geopolitical tensions also shaped the decision.

The impact is already visible across multiple sectors. Recruiters say delays are mounting in construction, retail, and domestic work hiring. Tourism operators are adjusting campaigns as travelers from affected nations face indefinite waiting times. Families depending on remittances from workers abroad are also worried about financial disruption.

Economic and Diplomatic Impact

The visa freeze could disrupt labor supply for companies that traditionally hire from Bangladesh, Sudan, and Cameroon. These workers send large sums in remittances that support local economies. A prolonged suspension may therefore carry cross-border financial consequences.

Diplomatic observers suggest the move may also be a signal in ongoing political negotiations. The UAE has previously used visa policies to manage foreign relations. Public health factors, including incomplete health screening in some regions, remain another layer of concern.

Despite the uncertainty, officials emphasize that the suspension is temporary. Once lifted, affected nationals will again be able to apply via UAE embassies, online portals, and authorized immigration offices. The application process will continue to require valid passports, health documentation, and vaccination proof.

The UAE visa ban update today reflects a larger immigration reform process. Citizens from the nine listed countries remain in limbo as the world waits for official clarification and possible policy reversal in the coming months.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the UAE visa ban update today?

The UAE has suspended tourist and work visa applications for citizens of nine countries including Bangladesh and Afghanistan from 2026.

Q2: Who is affected by the UAE visa ban?

Nationals from Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Sudan, and Uganda cannot apply for new UAE visas.

Q3: Are existing UAE visa holders affected?

No. The suspension applies only to new applications. Current visa holders can continue living and working legally in the UAE.

Q4: Why did the UAE impose this visa ban?

Unofficial reasons include national security, document fraud, public health protocols, and geopolitical concerns.

Q5: When will the UAE lift the visa ban?

No timeline has been announced. The suspension remains indefinite until further official notice.

References

• NDTV. (2025). Did UAE Suspend Tourist, Work Visas For Bangladesh? Envoy Responds. September 24, 2025.

• The Business Standard (TBS News). (2025). Bangladesh Embassy working to verify UAE visa ban news. September 24, 2025.

• Mint. (2025). UAE temporarily halts visas for citizens from these 9 countries. Bangladesh on the list — Check details. September 24, 2025.

• Business Insider Africa. (2025). UAE suspends tourist and work visas for five African countries, effective 2026. September 24, 2025.