UAE Visa Ban 2025 – Visit & Work Visas Suspended for 9 Countries

Introduction

In a significant move that has caught the attention of the region’s migrant workforce and travel-industry stakeholders, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly paused the processing of new tourist and work visas for citizens of nine countries, effective immediately under its 2025–26 visa strategy. While existing visa-holders appear unaffected, the development raises important questions about future access to the UAE for those seeking employment or short-term travel — including from Pakistan. This article dives deep into the details, what is known and unknown, how it affects Pakistani nationals, and steps you should take if you planned to travel or work in the UAE.

What is the UAE Visa Ban 2025?

The UAE has, as of September 2025, reportedly ceased accepting new tourist (visit) and work (employment) visas from certain nationals, as part of an internal immigration circular obtained by several news outlets. Some key points:

• The measure is described as a temporary suspension of visa issuance, rather than a permanent travel ban.
• It covers new applications only — nationals who already hold valid UAE visas (tourist, work, residence) are not affected in most reports.
• The UAE government has not publicly published a formal “ban list” with detailed justifications, which means verification remains incomplete.

In essence: If you were planning to apply for a UAE visa from one of the specified countries, you may face a halt or delay. If you already hold a valid visa, you are likely still eligible to travel or renew, subject to local rules.

Which Countries Are Affected?

Multiple credible sources list the nine countries impacted by this visa-suspension. While lists vary slightly, the commonly reported nations are:

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

Yet, it’s important to underline:

• Some national embassies (e.g., Bangladesh’s) have denied there is an official visa ban.
• The UAE has not publicly confirmed this list, so it remains “reported” rather than formally confirmed.
• The term “ban” may be imprecise; many sources prefer “suspension of new visa applications.”

For Pakistani nationals: Pakistan is not among the publicly reported nine countries under suspension according to current lists.

Why Has the UAE Taken This Step?

While the UAE has not issued a formal statement explaining the reasons, analysts and media outlets identify several likely factors:

National security & immigration control

The UAE is reportedly tightening border controls, verification processes, and labour-permit systems to reduce illegal work, overstays or document fraud.

Diplomatic / bilateral relations

Some experts suggest visa policy becomes a tool for adjusting migration flows in response to diplomatic tensions or changing regional geopolitics.

Health / administrative reforms

Although the acute COVID-19 phase is behind us, the UAE continues to strengthen health screening, biometric verification and digital immigration infrastructure — which may slow processing for certain nationals.

Labour-market & employment misuse

In recent years, the UAE has flagged misuse of “visitor/visit” visas for employment. A pause of new work visas from certain countries may reflect efforts to monitor and reform sponsorship practices.

What the Ban Means for Applicants & Employers

For Nationals of Affected Countries

• You cannot currently submit new tourist or work visa applications for the UAE under standard channels (for now).
• If you already hold a valid visa (tourist, residence, work permit) for the UAE, you appear unaffected according to multiple reports.
• Visa renewals, extensions or changes of visa category may still be allowed in some cases — depending on the sponsor/employer and immigration circumstances.
• Travel agents or employment recruiters should alert applicants that there is uncertainty and discourage booking travel before visa clearance.

For Employers / UAE Sponsors

• Companies in the UAE hiring workers from the nine listed countries may face processing delays or non-issuance of new work visas.
• Sponsors of existing employees from these countries need to ensure that the current visa status is valid and renewals are processed well in advance.
• Employers may temporarily shift sourcing to workers from other countries that are still operational for visa issuance.
• Travel agencies and recruiters must monitor the UAE immigration channels for updates and avoid promising new visas until the suspension lifts.

For Pakistani Applicants

Since Pakistan is not among the reported nine nations, Pakistanis could still apply for UAE tourist and work visas under existing frameworks. However:

• Greater scrutiny may now apply globally for all applications (including those from Pakistan) given the UAE’s tightening of oversight.
• Applicants should ensure they meet all requirements (valid passport, sponsor, contract, health/insurance) to avoid rejection.
• If you hold a valid UAE visa already (tourist or residence), you should be able to travel as normal — but check local conditions in the UAE (employer, sponsor, immigration).

Timeline, Duration and Outlook

• Reports indicate the policy has become visible from September 2025 and is gearing for a longer-term review under the UAE’s 2026 visa strategy.
• No official ‘end date’ has been given by the UAE government. Several outlets state the suspension will remain “until further notice.”
• Historically, similar UＡＥ visa processing suspensions have lasted weeks to months — depending on how quickly administrative, diplomatic or labour reforms are implemented.
• Applicants from the nine countries will need to monitor official updates from the UAE immigration authority (e.g., General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai) or their local UAE embassy/consulate channel.

Step-by-Step Guide for Pakistani Applicants (and Others)

To safeguard your travel or job-seeking plans with the UAE, follow this recommended checklist:

1. Check your visa status: If you already hold a valid UAE visa (tourist, work, residence), confirm expiry, sponsor validity and renewal possibilities.
2. Use official visa channels: Apply via UAE embassy/consulate or authorised portals; avoid dubious agents.
3. Ensure full documentation: Passport valid for at least 6 months, sponsored employment contract, health/insurance clearance, biometrics if required.
4. Avoid booking expensive travel until visa confirmation: Given the uncertainty, do not commit flights or employment before visa approval.
5. Stay informed on updates: Check UAE immigration bulletins, local media in Pakistan or your home country, and travel-advisory channels.
6. For employers/sponsors: If you plan to source workers from overseas, check country eligibility, document everything and monitor for circulars regarding visa issuance.
7. Prepare alternative plans: If sourcing from one of the nine countries, consider other eligible nationalities or countries until the suspension is lifted.

Impact & Implications

For Travel & Tourism

The suspension of new tourist visas from certain countries may modestly reduce inbound vacation-traffic from the affected nations, which could impact travel-operators, tour-packages and hotel bookings. For Pakistanis and other unaffected nationals, travel to UAE remains open — though processing may become stricter overall.

For Labour Migration

The UAE is a major destination for South Asian, African and Middle-Eastern workers. A freeze on new work visas from nine countries may shift labour-flows: employers might favour other nationalities (including Pakistan) or acceler­ate recruitment from countries still permitted.

For Bilateral Relations

Such visa-suspensions, even if temporary, convey diplomatic signals. Affected countries may raise concerns with the UAE to normalise visa issuance. Pakistan’s inclusion in privileged lists (e.g., 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa for Pakistanis announced in May 2025) shows Pakistan-UAE ties remain strong, at least on the tourism-front.

For Pakistanis & the Pakistani Diaspora

Although Pakistan is not currently on the list of suspended countries, Pakistanis should view this as a reminder to apply early, meet documentation requirements, and be mindful of stricter scrutiny in the Gulf market. The UAE continues to welcome tourism and skilled labour from Pakistan — but expect higher transparency and verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which countries are banned from UAE visa in 2025?
As of 2025, multiple reports indicate that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has temporarily suspended new visit and work visa applications from citizens of nine countries. These include:
Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Sudan, and Uganda.
However, the UAE government has not released an official statement confirming the full list, and some affected embassies have denied receiving formal notice. The restriction currently applies mainly to new visa applications, not existing visa holders.

Q2: Is the UAE work visa open for Pakistan in 2025?
Yes, the UAE work visa is open for Pakistani citizens in 2025.
Pakistan is not included in the list of countries facing a visa suspension. Pakistani workers, professionals, and visitors can still apply for UAE work and tourist visas through regular channels. However, the UAE has tightened its documentation and verification processes, so applicants should ensure all employment papers and sponsorship details are authentic and complete before submission.

Q3: Which countries are banned from UAE visa?
The reported list of countries currently under UAE visa suspension includes:

1. Afghanistan
2. Libya
3. Yemen
4. Somalia
5. Lebanon
6. Bangladesh
7. Cameroon
8. Sudan
9. Uganda

This suspension affects new visa applications only, mainly for tourist and work visas, and is considered temporary. People from these nations who already hold valid UAE visas can typically still enter or stay in the UAE according to their visa’s validity.

Q4: Is Pakistan employment visa banned in UAE?
No, Pakistan’s employment visa is not banned in the UAE.
Pakistani job seekers can still apply for UAE employment visas in 2025. The UAE continues to welcome Pakistani professionals, skilled labour, and visitors. However, due to the updated immigration policy, background checks and application reviews are stricter, so it’s important to apply through official channels or verified employers to avoid rejection or delays.

Conclusion

The UAE visa-suspension for nine countries announced in late 2025 represents a clear message: the UAE is recalibrating its migration and visa-issuance regime. For nationals of the listed countries, the doors to new tourist and work visas are closed — at least for the time being. For Pakistani applicants and employers, while the door remains open, the environment now demands greater diligence, up-to-date information and full compliance with immigration rules.

In a world where travel and employment abroad are critical opportunities for many Pakistani families, staying informed is essential. If you are planning a trip or job to the UAE, apply early, gather strong documentation, avoid assumptions and monitor official announcements. The UAE remains a major destination — but in this new era, eligibility alone is not enough; compliance and preparedness matter just as much.