UAE Suspends Visas for Bangladesh, Eight Other Nations

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a sweeping decision to suspend the issuance of visas for citizens of nine countries, including Bangladesh, citing security, geopolitical, and global health concerns. The restrictions are set to take effect in January 2026, according to an immigration notice issued by the Emirati authorities.

The ban covers multiple categories of entry, including business visas, which means professionals, entrepreneurs, and traders from the affected nations will also face barriers to entering the UAE. This move has stirred anxiety among Bangladeshi expatriates and businesses that maintain close ties with the Gulf nation, one of the largest sources of remittances for Bangladesh.

Countries Affected

Alongside Bangladesh, the ban applies to Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Cameroon, Sudan, and Uganda. All nationals from these countries will be subject to the new restrictions, though the UAE has not specified whether the measures will extend to tourist, work, or residency visas.

Reasons Behind the Ban

In its notice, the UAE pointed to security challenges, fragile geopolitical relations, and global health risks—including lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic—as reasons for the sweeping decision. However, the government stopped short of providing detailed explanations, leaving analysts to speculate whether regional tensions and domestic security policies played a role.

The Gulf nation has long positioned itself as a global hub for trade, investment, and tourism. Restrictions of this scale, particularly on countries with significant migrant workforces such as Bangladesh and Sudan, are therefore being closely watched by international observers.

Impact on Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a long-standing labour and business relationship with the UAE, with hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi nationals living and working in the federation. Remittances sent back from the UAE form a vital part of Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves.

Business leaders fear the decision could hamper trade opportunities and limit new business partnerships, particularly for Bangladeshi firms that rely on access to the UAE for regional expansion. Families of migrant workers are also concerned about whether the restrictions will eventually affect work permits and residency renewals.

Broader Implications

Analysts note that this is not the first time the UAE has introduced restrictive visa policies for specific nations. Such decisions are often linked to regional instability, security screening, or changes in bilateral relations. The inclusion of countries from Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia in the latest ban highlights the UAE’s broader concerns about cross-border risks and its efforts to tighten immigration controls.

While the measure will officially come into force in early 2026, questions remain about whether exemptions or revisions will be introduced for existing residents, workers, and businesses. Until then, affected countries, including Bangladesh, are expected to seek clarifications through diplomatic channels.