5 reasons why UAE is restricting Ugandan travellers ahead of 2026

Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Oryem Henry Okello, confirmed the restrictions but stressed they do not amount to a total travel ban. Instead, the UAE will suspend the issuance of certain long-term visas, allowing only short-term travel for approved categories of people, Xinhuanet reports.

Here are the key reasons behind the move:

1. Concerns over immigration abuse

UAE officials say the decision is aimed at curbing the number of Ugandans and other nationalities who overstay their visas after entering the country. Overstaying has become a persistent problem, leading to undocumented workers and pressure on immigration systems.

2. Rising criminal activities

Authorities also cited concerns about unlawful activities linked to a small number of Ugandan travellers. While details were not made public, the UAE has increasingly flagged risks around fraud, illegal employment, and organised networks using lax visa policies to their advantage.

3. Targeting high-risk categories

Rather than banning all Ugandans, the restrictions focus on “high-risk” categories of individuals considered most likely to violate visa terms. This means some travellers will still be able to visit, but under tighter scrutiny and mostly on short-term visas.

4. Not a blanket ban

Uganda’s foreign ministry stressed that the new policy does not amount to a total prohibition. “Some people will still go, but it will be based on the risk of a person overstaying their visa or failing to respect the laws and culture of the UAE,” Oryem clarified.

5. Policy shift in the UAE

The UAE’s 2026 visa ban applies to several African and European countries. Officials say the restrictions are part of a regional immigration strategy to protect the labour market and maintain social order as inbound migration grows.