The United Arab Emirates has announced a temporary suspension of visa issuance for citizens of nine countries, including Bangladesh, with the policy set to take effect from January 2026.
The move will affect applicants seeking entry for employment, tourism, or business purposes.
According to the UAE’s immigration authorities, the countries affected by the ban are Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Sudan, and Uganda.
Under the new restrictions, nationals from these countries will no longer be eligible to apply for UAE visas in the specified – tourist and work permit – categories until further notice, the information was posted at UAE visa online website.
The suspension applies only to new applicants, and does not affect individuals already residing in the UAE with valid visas.
While the UAE government has not provided an official explanation for the decision, sources suggest the ban may be linked to concerns over national security, geopolitical tensions, and ongoing public health protocols related to COVID-19.
Officials have described the measure as temporary, noting that it will be reviewed periodically in line with the country’s security and health assessments.
