Business Desk 
Sep 21, 2025
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has allegedly enacted a temporary visa suspension for nationals from nine countries in Africa and Asia, effectively stopping the acceptance of new applications for tourist and work permits.
As per a circular issued by immigration, the countries include Uganda, Sudan, Somalia, Cameroon, Libya, Afghanistan, Yemen, Lebanon and Bangladesh, and applications will not be considered until further notice.
UAE authorities have not officially commented on the matter. However, regional media have reported that the suspension may be related to concerns of security and ongoing diplomatic matters relating to the designated countries.
The UAE has instituted similar types of visa bans in the past, including a temporary moratorium on Nigerian applicants applying for visas. Those visa restrictions do not often come with an official commentary or background clarifications.
Experts in the travel industry are recommending that applicants from the affected countries remain notified of additional updates from immigration authorities, as the timeline for lifting the moratorium remains uncertain.
