The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has added Uganda to its list of countries subject to a visa suspension for 2026. As a result, Ugandan nationals will be barred from applying for both tourist and work visas to the UAE. However, those who are already in the UAE with valid visas will not be affected by this decision.
The move is part of a broader ban that includes eight other nations: Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, and Sudan.
While UAE authorities have described the ban as temporary, they have not specified when it will be lifted.
The visa suspension follows a BBC investigation that exposed how some young Ugandan women were being trafficked to Dubai. The report alleges that they were lured with promises of legitimate work but were coerced into sex work under heavy debt and subjected to abuse. Among the tragic cases highlighted were Monic Karungi and Kayla Birungi, both of whom died under suspicious circumstances after traveling to Dubai for what they hoped would be better opportunities.
For many Ugandans, labour migration to the Gulf—especially to the UAE—is a significant source of income. Typically, migrants take up roles such as domestic workers, cleaners, drivers, and security personnel. Women make up a large portion of this group. Remittances from these workers are vital to both households and the national economy.
The suspension will also have wider repercussions. It may disrupt trade—many Ugandan merchants depend on travelling to Dubai to buy goods for resale back home. The tourism sector could be affected too, as UAE often serves as a destination for Ugandans seeking luxury travel experiences.
Advocates for migrant labour safety are calling for stronger protections and oversight for Ugandans seeking work abroad. Without these safeguards, there is concern that migrants may fall victim to unsafe or exploitative channels.
So far, Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued a formal response. Diplomatic efforts with the UAE are expected to begin in order to address the potential fallout.