Fragomen’s 19 June 2026 Middle East & North Africa newsletter confirms that UAE authorities are continuing the suspension of all new visas for citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda and South Sudan, first imposed on 6 June amid Ebola-outbreak concerns. The measure covers visit, work, residence and investment visas and also restricts entry for travellers transiting through third countries unless they have spent at least 21 days outside the affected states. While passenger-transit flights remain operational, employers are unable to process fresh work permits for nationals of the three countries. Existing employees may remain in the UAE under current visas, but planned home-leave rotations could be complicated by re-entry restrictions if the outbreak persists. Companies with large East-African workforces—particularly in construction, domestic services and oil-field operations—should devise contingency staffing plans and consider remote-work alternatives where feasible.
![UAE maintains Ebola-linked visa ban for DRC, Uganda and South Sudan nationals]()
During this period of uncertainty, VisaHQ can help organizations and individual travelers stay ahead of fast-moving UAE entry rules. Its dedicated portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) offers real-time policy alerts, document-preparation checklists and application concierge services so users can submit compliant files the moment the suspension is lifted.
The Ministry of Health and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security are reviewing the ban every two weeks. Industry sources suggest that clearance to resume normal processing could hinge on World Health Organization data showing 21 consecutive days without new Ebola cases in each country. Meanwhile, airlines have issued travel-waiver policies allowing free date changes or refunds for affected passengers. Sponsors are urged to keep meticulous records of exit-stamp dates to demonstrate the 21-day requirement when re-applying for entry once the suspension is lifted.
During this period of uncertainty, VisaHQ can help organizations and individual travelers stay ahead of fast-moving UAE entry rules. Its dedicated portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) offers real-time policy alerts, document-preparation checklists and application concierge services so users can submit compliant files the moment the suspension is lifted.
The Ministry of Health and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security are reviewing the ban every two weeks. Industry sources suggest that clearance to resume normal processing could hinge on World Health Organization data showing 21 consecutive days without new Ebola cases in each country. Meanwhile, airlines have issued travel-waiver policies allowing free date changes or refunds for affected passengers. Sponsors are urged to keep meticulous records of exit-stamp dates to demonstrate the 21-day requirement when re-applying for entry once the suspension is lifted.
