BAD NEWS FOR UGANDANS!! No More Working Abroad As UAE Announces Major Visa Ban

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a major decision that will affect thousands of Ugandans who travel or work there. Starting in 2026, the UAE will stop giving tourist and work visas to Ugandan nationals. This new rule is expected to disrupt both travel and employment opportunities for many Ugandans.

The directive was shared through an immigration circular and is said to be temporary. However, officials have also stated that the suspension will last indefinitely until further notice. Uganda is not the only country affected — eight other nations, including Cameroon, Sudan, and Somalia, are also on the list.

So far, the UAE government has not given an official reason for the ban. But different reports suggest that the move is connected to security concerns and wider political issues in the region. The UAE has made similar decisions in the past, especially when dealing with migration from African countries.

This is not the first time Ugandans have faced visa restrictions from the UAE. Back in 2022, the country limited the issuing of 30-day visit visas to Ugandans and nationals of 20 other countries. At that time, the authorities explained that some people were overstaying their visas or using short-term permits to look for unauthorized jobs.

The UAE is made up of seven emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. It has many types of entry permits, such as student visas, retirement visas, tourist visas, and work permits. Each type is designed for a specific purpose. But with the new suspension in place, Ugandans will no longer be able to apply for work or tourist visas after 2026.

The news has raised concern in Uganda because the UAE is one of the top destinations for Ugandan workers. It is estimated that more than 100,000 Ugandans are legally employed in the UAE. They work in many sectors, including domestic service, beauty salons, construction, and hospitality.

For many families back home, money sent from relatives working in the UAE is a lifeline. These remittances help pay for school fees, medical bills, and daily living expenses. With the new visa suspension, many fear that opportunities to earn money abroad will become harder to find.

There is also uncertainty about whether Ugandans already living and working in the UAE will be affected. Some wonder if they will face challenges when renewing their permits once the new rules take full effect. Without clear communication from UAE authorities, many workers remain worried about their future.

In Uganda, the announcement has sparked debate. Some say the government should urgently negotiate with UAE leaders to protect the jobs of its citizens. Others believe the country must start creating more employment opportunities locally so that young people do not have to rely on risky jobs abroad.

While the suspension is expected to last “until further notice,” it is not yet clear if or when the UAE will lift the restrictions. For now, thousands of Ugandans hoping to travel or work in the Emirates must prepare for tough changes ahead.