The United Arab Emirates has quietly implemented stricter visa policies affecting nationals from several South Asian countries and Iran, raising concerns among business groups and prospective employees about the Gulf state's commitment to remaining an open global business hub.
Multiple reports from visa applicants and immigration consultants indicate that work visa applications from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Iran are facing increased scrutiny and higher rejection rates, though no official policy announcement has been made by UAE authorities. The lack of transparency around the policy shift has created confusion for both employers and foreign workers navigating the visa process.
A 25-year-old Pakistani national who recently received an offer from a global bank in the Dubai International Financial Centre told colleagues she had "been hearing about a number of recent rejections for Pakistani nationals," expressing anxiety about her pending visa application despite holding a UK degree and a position with a major financial institution.
Similarly, a Bangladeshi worker seeking to transfer his labor visa reported widespread claims that "visa transfer or new labor visa is not allowed or gets rejected for Bangladeshi nationals," though the veracity of such restrictions remains unclear without official confirmation.
The apparent restrictions extend to Iranian nationals as well, with reports of transit bans creating confusion even among European-based Iranian citizens. One individual with an upcoming flight through Abu Dhabi reported that Etihad Airways support claimed travel restrictions applied despite the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship stating "there is no restriction based on nationality."
Visa consultants speaking to affected applicants have reportedly indicated that "almost all types of visas are getting rejected" for certain nationalities, including freelance and investor visa categories that have previously served as alternative pathways for foreign residents.
