UAE Suspends Visit Visas for Nepali Citizens Amid Security Concerns

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has temporarily suspended visit visas for Nepali citizens, effective September 15. Though no official circular has yet reached the Nepali Embassy, UAE authorities have confirmed the decision informally, raising concerns among thousands of Nepalis who see the Gulf nation as a gateway for opportunities.

Why the Suspension?

The timing of the suspension comes in the wake of Nepal’s turbulent events earlier this month. The September 9 protests marked by vandalism, arson, and looting alongside the high-profile Jhumka prison break, have caught international attention. These incidents appear to have heightened the UAE’s caution toward Nepali arrivals.

Beyond recent unrest, the UAE’s decision is also tied to a long-standing issue: the misuse of visit visas. Brokers and agents have frequently exploited these visas to traffic Nepali women into domestic work in Gulf households under unsafe and exploitative conditions. Authorities in the UAE have increasingly grown wary of this practice, citing both security and human rights concerns.

Impact on Nepali Citizens

For thousands of Nepalis, the UAE has been the top destination under the visit visa category often a stepping stone toward employment opportunities or family reunions. The sudden suspension will undoubtedly disrupt travel plans, leaving many families uncertain and stranded midway through application processes.

For those who had hoped to migrate through legal visit visas, this move underscores a painful reality: the actions of a few, combined with systemic loopholes, can cast a shadow over the entire community.

A Call for Accountability at Home

The UAE’s suspension also puts pressure on the Nepali government. Without stronger regulation of brokers, proper migration frameworks, and assurances of safety for workers, Nepali citizens abroad will continue to face restrictions and stigmatization. Addressing trafficking at its root through tougher laws, better monitoring, and awareness campaigns has become more urgent than ever.

Looking Ahead

It remains unclear how long the suspension will last or whether it will evolve into broader restrictions. For now, the message from the UAE is clear: misuse of visas and instability at home have consequences abroad.

For Nepal, this should serve as a wake-up call not only to protect its citizens from trafficking but also to rebuild international trust. Only through reforms, accountability, and proactive diplomacy can Nepal ensure that opportunities for its people remain open in destinations like the UAE.