An immigration circular dated October 22, 2025 indicates that the United Arab Emirates has suspended the issuance of new tourist and work visas for nationals of Uganda, Sudan, Somalia, Cameroon, Libya, Afghanistan, Yemen, Lebanon, and Bangladesh. Applications from these countries have been placed on hold until further notice, although renewals for people already in the UAE remain unaffected.
While the government has not publicly explained its decision, officials familiar with the matter point to heightened security vetting and ongoing diplomatic negotiations. The suspension does not apply to Pakistani citizens, despite rumours on social media; UAE missions continue to process Pakistani applications, albeit with stricter background checks.
For employers, the abrupt change complicates recruitment pipelines from several labour-sending markets, particularly in construction, hospitality and domestic-worker segments. Companies that had already filed quota requests must now revisit their workforce-planning strategies or pivot to alternative source countries.
Immigration advisers recommend that HR teams review existing job offers, initiate contingency plans for delayed onboarding, and monitor further announcements from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). Affected travellers who already hold valid UAE visas can still enter, but new applications will not be accepted until the ban is lifted.
The move underscores the UAE’s willingness to enact rapid policy shifts to protect national interests, and it highlights the need for multinational firms to maintain flexible mobility programmes and diversified talent pipelines.
While the government has not publicly explained its decision, officials familiar with the matter point to heightened security vetting and ongoing diplomatic negotiations. The suspension does not apply to Pakistani citizens, despite rumours on social media; UAE missions continue to process Pakistani applications, albeit with stricter background checks.
For employers, the abrupt change complicates recruitment pipelines from several labour-sending markets, particularly in construction, hospitality and domestic-worker segments. Companies that had already filed quota requests must now revisit their workforce-planning strategies or pivot to alternative source countries.
Immigration advisers recommend that HR teams review existing job offers, initiate contingency plans for delayed onboarding, and monitor further announcements from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). Affected travellers who already hold valid UAE visas can still enter, but new applications will not be accepted until the ban is lifted.
The move underscores the UAE’s willingness to enact rapid policy shifts to protect national interests, and it highlights the need for multinational firms to maintain flexible mobility programmes and diversified talent pipelines.
