Starting in 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will suspend the issuance of tourist and work visas to Ugandan nationals, in a move that is expected to disrupt travel and employment opportunities for thousands of Ugandans.
The directive, communicated through an immigration circular, is said to be temporary but will apply indefinitely until further notice. Uganda is among nine countries affected by the suspension, alongside Cameroon, Sudan and Somalia.
Although UAE authorities have not issued an official explanation, multiple reports suggest the decision is linked to security concerns and wider geopolitical considerations. The country has previously introduced similar restrictions targeting several African states.
In 2022, UAE limited the issuance of 30-day visit visas to Ugandans and nationals from 20 other countries, citing concerns that some visitors were overstaying or misusing short-term permits to seek unauthorised employment.
The UAE, a federation of seven emirates including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, issues a variety of entry permits depending on the purpose of travel—ranging from tourist and student visas to retirement and work permits.
The new restrictions could have significant implications for Uganda, which has an estimated 100,000 citizens legally employed in the UAE. Many of them work in domestic service, beauty salons, construction and other sectors that heavily rely on migrant labour.
It remains unclear how long the suspension will remain in effect, and whether Ugandans already living and working in the UAE will be affected when renewing their permits.
