The United Arab Emirates have announced a temporary suspension of new tourist and work visa application from nine countries, effective 2026. The measure not affects people from those nations who already holds valid visas; they are allow to continue residing or working in the UAE under their existing permission.

The nine country on the suspension list is Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Sudan, and Uganda. Although there has been no formal public announcement explaining the reason, reports suggest that concern over security, fraudulent document, migration control, and public health is behind the decision.

Some of the cited issue include identity verification challenge, the risk of forged document, and managing migration flow more strictly. Diplomatic tension and health screening standard after pandemic also believed to be contributing factors.

The suspension are indefinite: no fixed date has been provide for when the policy may reviewed or lifted. In practical term, this affect prospective tourist visitor and jobseeker from the listed countries who will find themself unable to apply until further notice.

The policy may have ripple effect: labor market in the UAE that rely on foreign worker might face shortage, tourism agency and airlines will has to adjust plan, and remittance (money immigrants send home) from affected region could drop. Observer are now waiting for official clarification from UAE immigration authority about the criteria for reinstating of visa access.