UAE Visa Ban Countries 2025 – Full List and Pakistan Status Latest Updates

In recent days, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has quietly rolled out a temporary suspension of visa issuance for citizens from certain countries across Asia and Africa. This step has caught many travelers and overseas job seekers by surprise, especially those who were planning to work or visit Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates. While existing visa holders remain safe, new applications from the affected countries are currently not being processed.

If you or someone you know is planning a trip or work opportunity in the UAE, this guide will clear your confusion. We will explain which countries are on the visa ban list, why the UAE has taken this decision, what categories of visas are affected, and what this means for Pakistanis and other South Asian citizens. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of the situation and practical advice to avoid issues.

Which Countries Are on the UAE Visa Ban List?

According to reports from immigration sources, the UAE has paused issuing new tourist and work visas for citizens of the following 9 countries:

Country	Visa Status in 2025
Afghanistan	Temporarily Suspended
Libya	Temporarily Suspended
Yemen	Temporarily Suspended
Somalia	Temporarily Suspended
Lebanon	Temporarily Suspended
Bangladesh	Temporarily Suspended
Cameroon	Temporarily Suspended
Sudan	Temporarily Suspended
Uganda	Temporarily Suspended

👉 Citizens of these countries with already valid visas can still live, work, and travel within the UAE without restrictions. The suspension only affects new visa applications.

Is Pakistan Included in the UAE Visa Ban?

One of the most common questions being asked is whether Pakistan is part of this new policy. The good news is that Pakistan is not on the ban list as of September 2025. Pakistani citizens can still apply for tourist visas, employment visas, and residence permits in the UAE.

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However, immigration experts advise Pakistanis to keep an eye on further announcements, as UAE policies often change based on security, diplomatic, and labor market considerations.

Why Has the UAE Imposed This Visa Ban?

While the UAE government has not issued an official press release, several possible reasons are being discussed:

1. Security and Fraud Concerns

Unverified travel documents and identity fraud cases have been reported.
The ban is seen as a preventive step to safeguard UAE’s borders.

2. Geopolitical Relations

Diplomatic tensions and unstable political situations in some affected countries.
Visa policies are often used as a soft diplomatic tool.

3. Health and Migration Controls

After the pandemic, health checks remain a priority in immigration rules.
Some countries have weaker healthcare systems, raising UAE’s concerns.

Impact on Workers and Students

The UAE is a major hub for overseas employment, especially for South Asians and Africans. This sudden halt means:

Job seekers from affected countries cannot apply for work permits.
Tourist travelers from these countries cannot enter UAE on new visas.
Existing workers and residents face no restrictions as long as their visas remain valid.

Practical Advice for Pakistani Applicants

Even though Pakistan is not on the current list, here are some important steps:

Always apply through trusted travel agents or official embassy channels.
Keep your documents complete (passport, CNIC, health certificate, police clearance).
If you already hold a UAE visa, renew it before expiry to avoid complications.

UAE Visa Categories Affected

Visa Type	Current Status
Tourist Visa	Suspended for 9 countries
Work Permit	Suspended for 9 countries
Family Visa	No official change
Student Visa	No official change
Residence Permit	Not affected for valid holders

Future Outlook – Will the Ban Be Lifted?

There is no official timeline for review. Historically, such bans in UAE have lasted from a few weeks to several months. Immigration experts believe the situation will be reviewed case by case, depending on:

Security reports
Diplomatic negotiations
Labor market requirements in UAE

FAQs

Which countries are banned from UAE visas in 2025?
The UAE has suspended new visas for Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Sudan, and Uganda.

Does the UAE visa ban affect Pakistan?
No, Pakistan is not on the list as of September 2025. Pakistanis can still apply for all categories of UAE visas.

Are existing UAE visas still valid for banned countries?
Yes, citizens from those countries who already hold valid visas can continue living and working in the UAE.

What types of visas are suspended?
Tourist and work visas are suspended, while family, student, and residence permits remain unaffected.

Conclusion

The UAE’s visa suspension for nine countries has raised questions worldwide, especially in South Asia and Africa. While Pakistan is not affected at the moment, the situation reminds us how quickly immigration policies can change. For those planning to travel or work in the UAE, the best approach is to stay updated, prepare your documents carefully, and apply through trusted channels.