The United Arab Emirates has suspended issuance of visas to Somalis because of the increasing cases of COVID-19.
Somali traders are renowned for their preference for traveling to the UAE.
UAE cancelled visa issuance to Somalis and other nationalities in the Horn of Africa region over fears that a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is imminent.
On November 18, UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Somalis, Kenyans, Pakistanis and travelers from 8 other countries would no longer be allowed into the country.
According to Emirati authorities, travelers from these nations who already have their visas would not be affected by the latest move.
Nevertheless, the foreign affairs ministry has not put a timeline on the duration of the ban on visa issuance to travelers from the 11 countries.