Reuters: The UAE stops granting visas to citizens of 13 countries

The UAE has stopped issuing visas to citizens of 13 countries, most of which are Muslim-majority countries, including Iran, Syria and Somalia, according to a document issued by a government business complex.

The document, which was distributed to companies operating at the complex and seen by Reuters, referred to a leaflet from the Immigration Department that came into force on November 18.She said that requests for work or visit visas are pending for those outside the country from citizens of 13 countries, including Afghanistan, Libya and Yemen, until further notice.

She added that the visa ban also applies to citizens of Algeria, Kenya, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Tunisia and Turkey.

It was not clear if there were any exceptions to the ban.

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship in the Emirates had no comment when contacted by Reuters.

A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that the UAE had temporarily stopped issuing entry visas to citizens of Afghanistan, Pakistan and several other countries for security reasons.

The source did not clarify what these security considerations were, but said that the ban is for a limited period.

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said last week that the UAE had stopped granting new visas to its citizens and citizens of several other countries.

She added that she is requesting information from the UAE about the reasons for suspending visas, and that she believes that the matter is related to the outbreak of the Corona pandemic.

The ministry and the source said that holders of valid visas will not be affected by the new restrictions and can enter the UAE.