[ad_1]
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 issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship in the Emirates and distributed to companies operating in the complex, and seen by Reuters, referred to a publication by the Immigration Department, which began operating on November 18.
He said applications for work or visit visas are pending for those outside the country by citizens of 13 countries, including Afghanistan, Libya and Yemen, until further notice.
He added that the visa ban also applies to citizens of Algeria, Kenya, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Tunisia and Turkey.
It was unclear if there were exceptions to the ban.
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 explain the reason for these security considerations, but said the ban was for a limited period.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said last week that the United Arab Emirates had stopped granting new visas to its citizens and citizens of several other countries.
He added that he is requesting information from the UAE on the reasons for suspending visas and that he believes the matter is related to the Corona pandemic outbreak.
The ministry and the source said that valid visa holders will not be affected by the new restrictions and can enter the UAE.
Notably, the United Arab Emirates signed a visa waiver memorandum between the two countries late last month with Israel.
[ad_2]
