UAE Suspends Tourist and Work Visas for 9 Countries from 2026
Introduction
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has declared a suspension of tourist and work visa applications to the citizens of 9 countries, which will take effect in January 2026. This has caused a drastic change in the immigration policy in the United Arab Emirates and has raised the concern between travelers, expatriates and other international tourists.
The UAE decision has far-reaching consequences as it is one of the nations that greatly depend on tourism and foreign labor. For tourists, it means canceled trips and financial losses , to job seekers, there is uncertainty and lack of opportunities. Outside these short-term impacts, the relocation indicates the UAE is at large endeavors to harmonize economic development, national security, and human health issues under its 2026 Immigration Strategy. UAE Government Portal – Immigration Services
Affected Countries
The nations who were affected by this visa suspension are:
- Afghanistan
- Libya
- Yemen
- Somalia
- Lebanon
- Bangladesh
- Cameroon
- Sudan
- Uganda
Causes of the Suspension of Tourist and Work Visas
Although the government of the UAE did not make a formal announcement about the reasons of such decision, it seems that the suspension is motivated by a number of factors:
- Security Concerns: The UAE might be trying to overcome possible security threats of the nationals of these countries.
- Migration Control: The migration may be included in the larger process of managing and regulating migration patterns.
- Public Health: The continued health issues in the world may have affected the move to curtail the travel of the nationalities of selected countries.
- Geopolitical Factors – Linked to diplomatic relations and regional instability.
- 2026 Visa Strategy – Part of the UAE’s plan to prioritize high-value tourists, skilled workers, and investors.
Impact on Tourists and Job Seekers
Tourists
- Trip Cancellations: The citizens of the nine blocked countries are not able to seek new tourist visas and many cancel or delay plans of traveling to the UAE.
- Money Wastes: Pre-booked activities (flights, hotels, tour packages), and other packages might not be refundable causing some unnecessary money expenditure.
- Switch to Alternatives: The customers can resort to other destinations in the Middle East (such as Oman, Qatar, or Saudi Arabia) or even Asia as a leisure target.
Job Seekers
- Frozen Opportunities: Affected countries cannot be able to seek employment opportunities in the UAE through work visas which deprives the talented and unskilled employees of one of the most appealing jobs globally.
- Recruitment Problems: There is a possibility of labor shortages by the employers in the construction, hospitality, and domestic work industries as a large number of recruits are located in these areas.
- Heightened Competition in Other GCC countries: As the UAE is isolating itself, the unemployed might resort to other GCC countries which will generate more competition in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman.
- Family Tensions: There are existing expatriates who are already in the UAE and they might not be able to bring family members under the visit visa which makes it difficult to settle permanently.
Conclusion
The suspension of tourist and work visa applications for nationals of nine countries marks a significant policy shift for the UAE. While the full consequences will become clearer in the months ahead, the decision reflects the UAE’s strategic intent to tighten migration controls, address security and health concerns, and align immigration with its long-term economic goals.
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References
FAQs
1. Which countries are affected by the UAE visa suspension?
The suspension applies to Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Sudan, and Uganda. Citizens of these countries cannot apply for new tourist or work visas until further notice.
2. Does the suspension affect existing visas?
No. Tourists and workers who already hold valid UAE visas can continue to travel, live, and work in the UAE without any interruption.
3. When does the visa suspension take effect?
The suspension comes into effect from January 2026 and is part of the UAE’s broader 2026 Immigration Strategy.
4. Can citizens of affected countries still travel to the UAE for work?
Not with new applications. Fresh work permits and tourist visas are paused, meaning new arrivals from the listed countries cannot enter the UAE until the suspension is lifted.
5. Why did the UAE suspend visas for these countries?
The move is believed to be motivated by security concerns, migration control, labor market management, public health considerations, and geopolitical factors, as part of the UAE’s long-term immigration planning.
