UAE Visa Ban 2025 – Suspension of Visas for 9 Countries Raises

The UAE Visa Ban 2025 has sparked significant concern among travelers, workers, and families across Asia and Africa. The United Arab Emirates has temporarily halted both visit and employment visas for citizens of nine countries, a move that has become a major topic of discussion globally. The UAE—known as a leading hub for jobs, tourism, and expatriate living—has taken this step based on an internal immigration circular affecting new visa applications.

UAE Visa Ban Countries List 2025

According to the circular, the restrictions apply to tourist and work visas. Citizens from the countries listed below are currently unable to submit new applications:

• Uganda – Suspended
• Sudan – Suspended
• Somalia – Suspended
• Cameroon – Suspended
• Libya – Suspended
• Afghanistan – Suspended
• Yemen – Suspended
• Lebanon – Suspended
• Bangladesh – Suspended

It is important to note that individuals who already possess valid UAE visas remain eligible to travel and stay in the country. Only new applications from these nations are affected at this time.

Why Has the UAE Enforced This Visa Ban?

Although the UAE government has not officially detailed the reason behind the suspension, various reports point to multiple possible factors:

1. Security Concerns
Some of the nations on the list are currently facing instability. The UAE may have implemented this measure as part of enhanced border protection and national security efforts.

2. Immigration Regulation
Authorities have previously dealt with issues such as overstaying, fraudulent documentation, and illegal employment. The temporary halt is expected to support stricter verification and better migration management.

3. Diplomatic Relations
Immigration decisions in the UAE often align with regional developments and diplomatic considerations.

UAE Visa Ban for Nepali Applicants

Despite ongoing discussions online, Nepal is not part of the 2025 visa suspension. As of October 2025, Nepali citizens can still apply normally. However, due to the large Nepali workforce in the UAE, applicants are advised to stay updated through official government sources and avoid false information circulating on social media.

Impact of the Visa Suspension

The temporary ban has had broad implications across different groups:

Applicants:

• Valid visa holders can still enter the UAE.

• New applications are paused until further notice.

Employers:

• Companies may experience delays in sourcing workers from the affected countries.

• Businesses may need to consider alternative labor markets.

Families:

• Plans to bring family members on visit visas may be disrupted.

• Renewals and existing visas remain unaffected.

Background: UAE’s History of Visa Suspensions

This is not the first time the UAE has introduced temporary visa limits. Similar measures have been implemented in previous years to tackle administrative, security, or migration challenges. Examples include visa restrictions for Nigeria (2022), Sudan (2023), and Yemen & Libya (2024).

UAE Visa Ban 2026 – What Could Happen Next?

Many people are already searching for next year’s visa ban list, but no official announcements have been made regarding the 2026 policy. Experts believe future decisions may depend on security situations, diplomatic relations, labor demand, and immigration reforms.

What Applicants Should Do Now

Applicants from the suspended countries should:

• Verify updates only from official UAE platforms such as MoHRE and ICP.
• Avoid agents claiming to “process UAE visas during the ban.”
• Wait for official announcements before making travel or job-related decisions.

• Explore opportunities in countries with open work visa policies such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman.

Key Takeaways

• Affected Countries: Uganda, Sudan, Somalia, Cameroon, Libya, Afghanistan, Yemen, Lebanon, Bangladesh
• Visa Types Suspended: Tourist and Work
• Existing Visa Holders: Entry allowed
• Reason: Security, immigration control, and verification issues
• Duration: Temporary, no fixed end date

• Nepal: Not included in the ban

FAQs – UAE Visa Ban Update 2025

1. Which countries are included in the 2025 UAE visa ban?
Uganda, Sudan, Somalia, Cameroon, Libya, Afghanistan, Yemen, Lebanon, and Bangladesh.

2. Can someone with a valid UAE visa still travel?
Yes, valid visa holders can still enter the UAE.

3. Is the ban permanent?
No, it is a temporary measure.

4. Does the ban apply to Nepali citizens?
No, Nepali applicants are not affected.

5. When will the ban end?
The UAE government will release updates when available.