MM News

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has stopped issuing new visas to citizens of 13 mostly Muslim-majority countries, including Iran, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan, according to a document issued by a state-owned business park.

A source briefed on the matter told an international news agency the visas had temporarily stopped being issued to Afghans, Pakistanis and citizens of several other countries over security concerns but did not provide details.

The document, sent to companies operating in the park, cited an immigration circular that came into effect on 18th November. The document said applications for new employment and visit visas had been suspended for nationals of those outside the UAE of 13 countries until further notice.

The ban also applies to citizens of Algeria, Kenya, Iraq, Lebanon, Tunisia and Turkey and also includes Somalia, Libya and Yemen. It was not clear if there were any exceptions to the ban or have the countries being informed about the policy.

The circular took effect a week after the French Embassy in the UAE urged its citizens to maintain vigilance after a bomb attack in Saudi Arabia on diplomats claimed by Islamic State.

The explosion, which occurred during a World War One commemoration ceremony in Jeddah, was the first attack in years where explosives were used in an attempt to hit foreigners.

The visa ban also comes two months after the UAE established formal ties with Israel, a move that broke with decades of Arab policy and angered some Muslim states and communities.

Last week, Pakistan’s foreign office said the UAE had stopped processing new visas for its citizens and those of some other countries. but it was linked due to the coronavirus pandemic and those already holding valid visas were not affected and could still enter the UAE.