Visa ban: UAE to block long-term visas for Ugandan nationals from January 2026

The United Arab Emirates will stop issuing long-term visas to Ugandan citizens starting January 2026, citing concerns over visa overstays and rising cases of unlawful activity among some visitors.

Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Oryem Henry Okello, confirmed the development, stressing that the ban resulted after concerns were raised in Abu Dhabi about visa overstays and rising cases of unlawful activity by some visitors.

According to a circular from the UAE immigration authority, Uganda is the ninth and latest country whose citizens will be denied visas to the UAE.

However, Okello stressed that the measure is not a full travel ban. “According to our ambassador in the UAE, there is no total ban,” he said. “They are going to put restrictions on Ugandans travelling to the UAE. There will be no long-term visas, only short-term visas, and some categories of people will not be able to receive visas.”

The UAE has been tightening its visa regime across several countries in Africa and Europe, citing rising concerns over illegal migration, overstaying, and related criminal activities. Ugandans are among the many foreign nationals who flock to the Gulf state, largely in search of jobs, trade opportunities, and better living conditions.

According to Okello, the UAE’s new restrictions will target individuals deemed at high risk of violating visa rules. “It is not a blanket prohibition,” he explained. “Some people will still go, but it will be based on the risk of a person overstaying their visa or failing to respect the laws and culture of the UAE.”

The announcement is expected to rattle Uganda’s labor export industry, which sends thousands of workers to Gulf countries every year.

Uganda’s economy relies heavily on its diaspora, with remittances providing essential support to millions of households across the country.

Remittances from Ugandans working abroad are a significant lifeline, ranking the country as the ninth African nation with the most diaspora remittances in 2024.

According to the World Bank, Ugandan remittances amounted to $1.49 billion in 2024, contributing significantly to many households and the country’s economy.

The new UAE visa ban could reduce the flow of remittances from Ugandan citizens working there, potentially straining household incomes and limiting funds that support local businesses and public spending.

Other African countries, like Liberia, and Sierra Leone, have faced similar restrictions, sparking diplomatic concerns. Experts note that such measures reflect growing Gulf and western countries anxieties over managing rapid labor inflows and maintaining social order.

For now, Ugandan officials say they will not immediately seek negotiations to reverse the UAE’s decision.