UAE Visa Ban 2026: 9 Countries Affected | Reports claim UAE has suspended tourist and work visa applications from nine countries starting January 2026. Social media and unofficial websites sparked panic, but embassies have denied full bans. Here’s the full breakdown, including key tweets and official responses.
Background: The Claim
On September 17, 2025, a private visa site reported that UAE stopped processing visas for nine countries due to security and health concerns. Existing visas and renewals remain unaffected. UAE officials haven’t confirmed officially, and denials are widespread.
Affected Countries
| Country | Reason | Impact | Embassy Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda | Security (sex trafficking), labor issues | 120,000+ workers; $1.4B remittances | Partial suspension confirmed, no full ban |
| Sudan | Civil war, geopolitical tension | Thousands of expatriates affected | Partial confirmation, no full ban |
| Somalia | Terrorism risks; Somaliland exempt | Red Sea investments affected | Partial ban, Somaliland exempt |
| Cameroon | Health/security concerns | Labor migration halted | Fake news, Dubai consulate |
| Libya | Civil unrest | Expatriates affected | Reports false, Abu Dhabi embassy |
| Afghanistan | Taliban regime, security | Labor export stopped | Confirmed in reports, no denial |
| Yemen | Ongoing conflict | Humanitarian crisis worsens | No denial |
| Lebanon | Economic crisis, regional tension | May 2025 ban lifted; now reimposed? | Partial reports |
| Bangladesh | Overstay/labor issues | 840,000 workers; $1-2B remittances | No official info; ambassador denial |
Denials & Controversies
- Bangladesh: Ambassador Tareq Ahmed confirmed no UAE visa ban.
- Libya & Cameroon: Denials issued via embassies/consulates.
- Somalia: Partial ban confirmed, Somaliland exempt.
X (Twitter) Reactions
Expat Media (@ExpatMediaUAE) – Sep 22, 12:10 PM GMT
“Bangladesh’s ambassador confirms there is no UAE visa ban on Bangladeshis. Details 👇 [Link]”
News Guru (@newsgurupk) – Sep 22, 10:36 AM GMT
“Nine Countries Face UAE Visa Ban: Is Pakistan on the List? Read more: [Link]”
Horn Agenda (@AgendaHorn) – Sep 22, 9:12 AM GMT
“UAE visa ban targets Somalia but recognises Somaliland separately. Move highlights Abu Dhabi’s growing economic & diplomatic engagement… #Somalia #Somaliland #UAE”
Marijke van der Lee (@anamafalda1992) – Sep 22, 7:20 AM GMT
“Somalia: UAE Visa Ban Targets Somalia but Recognises Somaliland Separately – a Sign of Growing Economic and Diplomatic Engagement [Link] #newspapers”
Eye on Somalia (@Eye_on_Somalia) – Sep 22, 5:50 AM GMT
“UAE Visa Ban Targets Somalia but Recognises Somaliland Separately [Link] #AlAfricaNews #Somalia”
Stand4Humanity (@HumanityWathcer) – Sep 22, 1:57 AM GMT
“Ambassador: No UAE visa ban on Bangladesh [Link]”
Ground Operator (@Jude_Qtr) – Sep 21, 8:38 PM GMT
“@HSajwanization What’s your insight on Lebanese being part of the countries on the UAE visa ban list?”
StopBlaBlaCam (@StopBlaBlaCam) – Sep 21, 7:02 PM GMT
“Cameroon’s Dubai Consulate Denies UAE Visa Suspension Rumors as Fake News [Link]”
Libya Review (@LibyaReview) – Sep 21, 6:45 PM GMT
“Libya’s Embassy in Abu Dhabi Denies Reports on UAE Visa Ban #Libya #UAE [Link]”
Zaman (@kz10978) – Sep 21, 10:24 AM GMT
“Gono Shotru, propaganda machine… UAE visa ban countries in 2026 include: [List] [Link]”
Horndiplomat (@HornDiplomat) – Sep 21, 9:36 AM GMT
“#UAE Visa Ban Targets Somalia but Recognises #Somaliland Separately: A Sign of Growing Economic and Diplomatic Engagement [Link]”
Economic & Social Impacts
- Remittances at risk: Uganda $1.4B, Bangladesh $1-2B
- Labor shortages: UAE construction & IT sectors hit; 300,000+ workers affected
- Migrants may shift to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Canada, UK
- Families disrupted, geopolitics strained (Somaliland vs Somalia)
Historical Context
Similar restrictions in UAE during COVID (2020-2022), Lebanon ban lifted May 2025. Pakistan unaffected.
Advice for Travelers
- Check official sites: ICP.gov.ae or GDRFA
- Contact UAE embassy/consulate before applying
- Consider alternatives: Saudi eVisa, Canada’s Express Entry
- Follow #UAEVisaBan on X for updates
Conclusion
Reports caused panic, but denials from Bangladesh, Libya, Cameroon show misinformation. Uganda and Somalia face partial restrictions. Social media amplified rumors, showing global migration’s fragility. Stay informed to avoid disruptions.
Based on reports as of September 22, 2025. Consult immigration experts for personal advice.
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