The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a major policy change that will affect thousands of Ugandans who travel or work there. Starting in 2026, Ugandan nationals will no longer be eligible for tourist or work visas, a move expected to disrupt both travel and employment opportunities.
The directive, shared through an immigration circular, is described as temporary. However, officials have indicated that the suspension could last indefinitely until further notice. Uganda is not the only country affected — eight others, including Cameroon, Sudan, and Somalia, are also on the list.
The UAE government has not provided an official explanation for the ban. Reports suggest that security concerns and broader regional political issues may have influenced the decision. The country has previously imposed similar restrictions on migration from several African nations.
This is not the first time Ugandans have faced visa limitations in the UAE. In 2022, authorities restricted the issuance of 30-day visit visas to Ugandans and nationals of 20 other countries, citing cases of overstaying or using short-term permits for unauthorized work.
The UAE is made up of seven emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, and offers various entry permits such as student visas, retirement visas, tourist visas, and work permits. Each visa type serves a specific purpose, but under the new suspension, Ugandans will no longer be able to apply for tourist or work visas after 2026.
The announcement has caused concern in Uganda, where the UAE is a major destination for migrant workers. Estimates suggest that over 100,000 Ugandans are legally employed there, working in sectors such as domestic service, beauty salons, construction, and hospitality.
For many families, remittances from relatives in the UAE are a vital source of income, covering school fees, medical expenses, and daily living costs. With the new visa restrictions, there is growing fear that opportunities to earn abroad will be significantly reduced.
There is also uncertainty about how the suspension will affect Ugandans already residing in the UAE. Many are concerned about renewing existing permits once the new regulations take effect, leaving workers anxious about their future.
In Uganda, the announcement has sparked debate. Some urge the government to negotiate with UAE authorities to safeguard citizens’ jobs, while others emphasize the need to create more local employment opportunities so that young people do not have to rely on risky jobs abroad.
While the suspension is expected to continue “until further notice,” it remains unclear if or when the UAE will lift the restrictions. For now, thousands of Ugandans planning to travel or work in the Emirates must prepare for significant changes in the coming years.
