The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will stop issuing long-term visas to Ugandan citizens starting January 2026, citing concerns over visa overstays and unlawful activity among some visitors.
Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Oryem Henry Okello, confirmed that while the ban affects long-term visas, it is not a total travel ban.
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Ugandans will still be eligible for short-term visas, though access will depend on individual compliance with UAE laws and regulations.
This move according to Business insider Africa, aligns with broader UAE immigration policies aimed at managing illegal migration and reducing criminal risks. Uganda is the ninth country to face such restrictions.
The decision is expected to impact Uganda’s labor export sector, which relies heavily on remittances. In 2024, Ugandan workers abroad sent home $1.49 billion, ranking Uganda ninth in Africa for diaspora remittances, a key contributor to household incomes and local economic activity.
Similar restrictions have previously affected other African nations, including Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, reflecting Gulf countries’ growing caution over rapid labor inflows and maintaining social order.
For now, Ugandan officials have indicated they will not immediately seek to reverse the UAE’s decision.
Image Credit: Business Insider Africa
