The United Arab Emirates will stop issuing long-term visas to Ugandan nationals beginning January 2026, citing concerns about visa overstays and rising cases of unlawful activity involving some visitors.
Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Oryem Henry Okello, confirmed the development, explaining that the decision followed concerns raised in Abu Dhabi.
“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.”
According to a circular from the UAE’s immigration authority, Uganda has become the ninth country to face such restrictions.
The measure forms part of the Gulf state’s broader tightening of visa policies across Africa and Europe, as authorities cite growing problems with illegal migration, overstaying, and related criminal activity.
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Many Ugandans travel to the UAE for work, trade, and improved living conditions.
Okello clarified that the restrictions would not affect all applicants but would target those considered high-risk.
“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 impact Uganda’s labor export sector, which sends thousands of workers to Gulf nations annually.
Remittances from Ugandans abroad are a major contributor to the economy, sustaining millions of households.
According to the World Bank, remittances reached $1.49 billion in 2024, ranking Uganda as the ninth African nation with the highest inflows.
The new visa restrictions could reduce this flow, straining household incomes and limiting funds that support local businesses and public spending.
This development follows similar measures imposed on other African countries.
In July, the UAE tightened visa rules for Nigerian citizens just a year after ending a two-year ban.
Nations such as Liberia and Sierra Leone have also faced restrictions, sparking diplomatic unease, according to Business Insider.
Visa ban: UAE to block long-term visas for Ugandan nationals from January 2026 | Business Insider Africa.
Analysts say the move reflects growing concerns in Gulf and Western states over managing labor inflows and preserving social stability.
For now, Ugandan officials have indicated they do not plan to immediately seek negotiations with the UAE to reverse the decision.
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Image Credit: Henley Global
