![The UAE temporarily stopped issuing new visas to Afghans, Pakistanis and citizens of several other countries over security concerns [Ahmed Jadallah/Reuters]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/2015-05-22T120000Z_1778115619_GF10000103727_RTRMADP_3_UAE-MARINA.jpg?resize=770%2C513)
UAE halts new visas to citizens of 13 mostly Muslim states
An immigration document said applications for employment and visit visas are now suspended for nationals outside the UAE.The UAE temporarily stopped issuing new visas to Afghans, Pakistanis and citizens of several other countries over security concerns [Ahmed Jadallah/Reuters]25 Nov 2020
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has stopped issuing new visas to citizens of 13 mostly Muslim-majority countries, including Iran, Turkey, Syria and Somalia, according to a document issued by a state-owned business park.null
The document, which was sent to companies operating in the park and was seen by the Reuters news agency, cited an immigration circular that came into effect on November 18.KEEP READINGUAE’s Etihad Airways to start daily flights to Tel Aviv in MarchPompeo to visit UAE to discuss arms sale, Israel normalisationUAE loosens rules on foreign ownership of firms to lure investors
It said applications for new employment and visit visas were suspended until further notice for nationals outside the UAE from countries including Afghanistan, Libya, and Yemen.
The visa ban also applies to citizens of Algeria, Kenya, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan and Tunisia, the document said.
It was not clear if there were any exceptions to the ban.null
The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship had no immediate comment.
Security concerns
A source briefed on the matter said the UAE had temporarily stopped issuing new visas to Afghans, Pakistanis, and citizens of several other countries over security concerns.
The source did not say what those concerns were but said the visa ban was expected to last for a short period.null
Last week, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said the UAE had stopped processing new visas for its citizens and those of some other countries.
Islamabad said it was seeking information from the UAE on the reason for the suspension but that it thought it was related to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Pakistani ministry and the source said those holding valid visas were not affected by the new restrictions and could enter the UAE.https://players.brightcove.net/665003303001/A3nzcwywTg_default/index.html?videoId=6162642971001&playsinline=trueSOURCE : REUTERS
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Strange the biggest terrorist countries have been excluded..its all bcose of change in their policies and soft corner, their vested intereststowards those terrorist countries.
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