Recent reports suggesting that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has imposed a visa ban on Ugandan nationals starting in 2026 have been dismissed by both Ugandan and UAE officials.
Abdalla Hassan AlShamsi, the UAE ambassador to Uganda, told New Vision that there has been no official communication regarding such a ban. “What is circulating out there is false,” he said, clarifying that the reports are based on misinformation.
Uganda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vincent Bagiire, confirmed that the government has not received any official notice of a visa ban. He emphasized that authorities in Abu Dhabi and the UAE embassy in Kampala have not communicated any suspension of visas for Ugandans. However, he noted that the UAE does enforce restrictions on applicants who do not meet visa requirements.
The UAE is a popular destination for Ugandans seeking employment, with over 100,000 nationals legally employed in the country, primarily in menial jobs. The country has, in the past, temporarily restricted visa issuance to Ugandans. For instance, in 2022, the UAE suspended the issuance of 30-day visit visas to Ugandans and citizens from 20 other countries, reportedly to curb overstays.
Concerns about the welfare of Ugandan nationals in the UAE have been heightened by reports of exploitation. A BBC investigation recently uncovered a case involving a Ugandan national allegedly running a sexual exploitation ring targeting Ugandan women in Dubai, highlighting the risks some migrants face abroad.
As of now, there is no official ban on Ugandans traveling to the UAE. Authorities have urged citizens to rely on verified sources for information and to continue observing visa regulations. The situation underscores the importance of safeguarding the rights and safety of Ugandan nationals working overseas.
