UAE Visa Ban on African Countries: What is Outpass in UAE?

If you’re planning to visit the United Arab Emirates soon, you might have heard about the recent visa ban on African countries. This ban has caused confusion and concern among travelers and businesses alike. I’m going to explain the UAE visa ban on African countries.

This post will cover what you need to know about the ban, how it affects travelers and businesses, and how to check status. We’ll also discuss the UAE Outpass system and how it relates to the visa ban, as well as provide a list of the UAE visa banned countries whose citizens are currently banned from obtaining visas to the UAE.

Whether you’re planning a trip to the UAE or just want to stay informed, this post is for you. So let’s dive in and explore the UAE visa ban on African countries together.

UAE Visa Ban on African Countries

As you may recall from the notice published in many newspapers in October 18, 2022, a visa ban was implemented by the UAE government that affected several African countries. This ban prohibits citizens of certain countries from traveling to the UAE.

The list of UAE visa banned countries includes Uganda, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Cameroon, Nigeria, Liberia, Burundi, Republic of Guinea, Gambia, Togo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Benin, Ivory Coast, Congo, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Guinea Bissau, Comoros, and the Dominican Republic. It’s important to note that this list may change at any time, and travelers are advised to check with the relevant authorities before making travel plans.

Some of the countries listed above can apply for UAE visit visas, but the requirements are high and there is no guarantee.

UAE Residence Visa for Africans

For individuals from several African countries, obtaining an employment visa in the UAE can prove to be an extremely difficult process. Despite the possibility of securing a visit visa, the conversion of this into a resident visa is often a challenging or unattainable goal.

The impact of this UAE visa ban on African countries is far-reaching, and many individuals who have invested in their careers and families in the UAE have been negatively affected. At present, work permits are not being issued to citizens of Cameroon, Nigeria, Uganda, and Ghana. This has resulted in significant struggles for these individuals and their families.

It’s crucial to remember that before embarking on the visa application process even if you are in or outside the country, you should ensure that the visa application is possible. Otherwise, you risk your hard-earned money.

What is Outpass in UAE?

In the UAE, an Outpass is a document that is issued to individuals who have overstayed their visa or residency permit and need to exit the country. The Outpass grants permission to leave without facing penalties or other legal repercussions. You can also call it UAE exit permit.

NOTE: Once you apply for and receive an Outpass approval in the UAE, you will have a grace period of 7 days to exit the country without being subject to any fines or penalties, even for an absconding cases.

However, it’s important to note that if you overstay your visa or residency permit, you may face a ban from re-entering the country for a period of 6 months to 1 year, or even permanently, depending on individual circumstances.

To obtain an Outpass, individuals in their respective emirate must visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

The applicant will need to present the following:

• Valid passport and
• Emirates ID, along
• With a copy of their residency permit (if applicable).

The Outpass application process typically takes several business days, and applicants may be required to pay fines or fees associated with their overstay.

You can reach out to your travel agent to seek help, if you can’t do it yourself.

How to Check UAE Visa Ban Status with Passport Number

To check your UAE visa ban status using your passport number, you can follow these steps:

• Visit the official website of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) of the UAE: https://www.ica.gov.ae/
• Click on the “Services” tab and then select “Passport and Residency” from the dropdown menu.
• Next, click on the “Services for Individuals” option and then select “Entry Permit Validity” from the list of services.
• You will be redirected to a new page where you will be required to enter your passport number, nationality, and passport type. Fill out the required information and then click on “Search.”

If you are not subject to a visa ban, you will receive a message confirming that your entry permit is valid. However, if you are currently banned from entering the UAE, you will receive a message stating that your entry permit is invalid.

Does the Ban Affect UAE Economy?

The UAE visa ban on African countries implications and consequences, affecting not only individuals but also the economy and tourism industry of the country.

Economy

The UAE is known for its robust economy and thriving tourism industry, which attracts millions of visitors every year. However, the visa ban has had a significant impact on these sectors, with many businesses and tourist destinations reporting a decline in revenue. This is because many African nationals, who were previously frequent visitors to the country, are now unable to enter due to the ban, leading to a loss of potential revenue for the tourism industry.

Additionally, the ban has also affected businesses that rely on Africans, particularly Nigerians are most nationals that comes to buy products in the UAE. As many could not come to the UAE due to the travel restrictions this resulting in potential setbacks for the UAE economy.

Individuals

The visa ban has also had social and personal implications for affected individuals and families. Many African nationals who were previously living and working in the UAE have been forced to leave the country, leaving behind families and loved ones. This has caused emotional distress and upheaval for many families, who are now forced to adjust to life without their loved ones.

Final Note

The UAE visa ban on African countries has made life tough for many people and their families. Many have become jobless and face financial challenges because of their inability to renew their visas. It is critical that the UAE find a way to assist the individuals. If they do, it will demonstrate their concern for human rights and strengthen their ties with African countries.

Finding a solution will make life simpler for those who have been touched and will allow them to move ahead.