The U.S. Embassy in the UAE has issued a critical advisory following the implementation of a new Presidential Proclamation, which went into effect on June 9 at 8:01 am UAE time. The measure suspends or limits U.S. visa issuance for citizens of 19 countries, sparking concern among applicants in the Emirates.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the decision is part of a broader national security initiative aimed at “enhancing public safety through rigorous screening procedures.”
Who Is Affected?
The restrictions apply to foreign nationals outside the United States who did not possess a valid U.S. visa as of the proclamation’s effective date. Importantly, valid visas issued before June 9 remain active and will not be revoked.
The proclamation fully suspends visa issuance (nonimmigrant and immigrant categories) for citizens of the following 12 countries:
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Afghanistan
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Burma (Myanmar)
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Chad
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Republic of the Congo
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Equatorial Guinea
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Eritrea
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Haiti
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Iran
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Libya
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Somalia
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Sudan
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Yemen
Seven additional countries face partial restrictions on B-1/B-2 (tourism/business), F, M, J (student and exchange), and all immigrant visa types:
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Burundi
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Cuba
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Laos
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Sierra Leone
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Togo
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Turkmenistan
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Venezuela
Exceptions and Clarifications
The U.S. has outlined limited exceptions, including:
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Immediate relatives (spouses, children, parents) of U.S. citizens
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Adoptions by U.S. citizens
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Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for U.S. government workers
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Applicants facing persecution (e.g., minorities from Iran)
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Dual nationals applying with a passport from a non-restricted country
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Participants in designated global sporting events
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U.S. Green Card holders (LPRs)
Implications for UAE-Based Applicants
Residents of the UAE who are nationals of the restricted countries will be ineligible for U.S. visa issuance unless they meet one of the listed exemptions. Even if an interview is scheduled, applicants from these countries will not be granted visas under the new order.
Economic Impact
The policy has raised alarms within the global tourism sector. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) warns that the U.S. could lose up to $12.5 billion in international travel spending this year alone. International visitor spending is projected to fall to $169 billion in 2025, down from $181 billion in 2024, a drop of 22.5% from pre-pandemic peaks.
The WTTC says the economic impact will extend beyond tourism, affecting jobs, local businesses, and the broader U.S. economy.
