The United Arab Emirates has announced a 30 day VISA ban to about 20 African countries with immediate effect till further notice.
The affected countries are Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Senegal, Benin, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Ivory Coast, Congo, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Guinea Bissau, Comoros, Burundi, Republic of Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, and Togo.
The notice was issued to trade partners, travel agents, and copied to airline companies with the UAE authorities indicating that all applications should be rejected.
“Any applications from the mentioned countries will be sent back or canceled,” the UAE stated.
In order to receive a visa on arrival, one must have a passport valid for at least six months, one blank visa page, proof of sufficient funds, proof of return flights, documents required for your next destination, and confirm with their airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa.
Ronnie Mukandane, spokesperson of the Uganda Association of External Recruitment Agencies, noted that the decision is to stop tricky nationalities that had taken advantage of short-term visas to traffic people.
“The particular ban affects travelers with short-term visas, and those are mainly traders and tourists. The directive is also good to protect those who are being trafficked,” said Mukandane.
The ban comes amidst several deportations of Ugandans whose visas had expired and were living in the country illegally.