Reports of UAE visa ban on Ugandans false, says envoy
The clarification follows widespread speculation that the UAE - a key destination for Ugandans seeking employment opportunities - had introduced restrictions starting January 2026.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has dismissed reports that it has imposed a visa ban on Ugandan nationals.
Speaking to New Vision, UAE ambassador to Uganda, Abdalla Hassan AlShamsi, said there has been no official communication regarding such a measure.
More To Read
- 2026 UAE visa ban: List of affected countries
- Uganda eyes Sh46 billion loan to finance key infrastructure projects
- Kizza Besigye party drops out of 2026 Uganda polls, to back joint opposition candidate
- Uganda proposes Bill to regulate medicines, supplements and cosmetics
- Uganda defends troop deployment to South Sudan
- Sudan accuses UAE of using Puntland as arms pipeline for RSF fighters
"What is circulating out there is false," Abdalla stated, clarifying that Ugandans remain eligible to apply for visas under normal procedures.
The clarification follows widespread speculation that the UAE - a key destination for Ugandans seeking employment opportunities - had introduced restrictions starting January 2026.
Over 100,000 Ugandans currently work in the UAE, many of them in domestic and low-skilled jobs.
Uganda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that no formal notice of changes in visa policy had been received.
Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire said, "The source of that information is not an official UAE government website. Authorities in Abu Dhabi and the UAE embassy in Kampala have not communicated any visa freeze on Ugandans."
While dismissing the reports, both sides acknowledged that the UAE enforces strict compliance checks and will deny visas to applicants who fail to meet entry requirements.
The UAE has, in the past, imposed temporary suspensions, including in 2022 when 30-day visit visas for Ugandans and citizens from 20 other countries were halted amid concerns over overstays and abuse of visa privileges.
The latest reports also coincide with heightened scrutiny after a BBC investigation exposed human trafficking and exploitation of Ugandan women in Dubai.
The report implicated Ugandan nationals in running sex exploitation rings, raising questions over labour protections and oversight.
Ugandan officials stressed the need for vigilance.
"Our authorities must investigate the matters arising from human trafficking and exploitation of Ugandans working in the UAE," said Bagiire, underlining that while visas remain open, the welfare of migrant workers must be safeguarded.
Top Stories Today
