The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned work and tourist visas for nine countries across Africa and Asia, according to an immigration circular.
The affected nations include Uganda, Sudan, Somalia, Cameroon, Libya, Afghanistan, Yemen, Lebanon, and Bangladesh. As per the notice, applications for new work and tourist permits from citizens of these countries have been suspended until further notice.
While UAE authorities have not disclosed an official reason for the restrictions, reports suggest the ban may be linked to security concerns and diplomatic issues.
The UAE has taken similar steps in the past, including temporary visa bans on Nigerian nationals. However, official confirmations and detailed explanations of such measures have often been limited.
With the UAE ban on work and tourist visas now in place for these nine countries, many applicants are expected to be affected, though it remains unclear when the suspension will be lifted.