Visa rejected in UAE for security Reasons ? Here’s what you can do.

Facing a UAE visa rejection due to security reasons can be a daunting experience, leaving applicants unsure of the next steps. However, understanding the underlying causes and knowing how to address the issue can improve your chances of reapplying successfully. In this guide, we’ll explore the common reasons behind visa denials related to security, offer tips on resolving the problem, and outline the best course of action for your reapplication. With the right approach and preparation, navigating this challenge is possible.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been one of the most prominent locations globally and the region is flooded by tourists from around the globe every year. UAE authorities process a huge number of visa applications and while the procedure itself is hassle free requiring you to fill application forms and furnish standard documents including scanned passport copies, invite letters from UAE hosts, copies of return tickets for tourist visas and similar, some applications do get rejected in the process.

The twelve main reasons for Visa rejections for security reasons in the UAE.

Non cancellation of previous residence Visa

Many a time, expats leave the country and fail to return for various reasons. The UAE law stipulates that if you a have a residence visa in the UAE and should you decide to leave the country for good, your residence visa must be cancelled officially. The cancellation must be initiated directly by your company, else the visa will be rejected for security reasons in UAE.

Citizens of Banned Countries

Like many other countries, the UAE has periodically implemented travel bans on citizens of certain countries for various reasons.

The reasons for travel bans in the UAE may vary, but they are usually related to security concerns or public health emergencies. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE temporarily suspended travel from certain countries to limit the spread of the virus. The travel ban was periodically extended to include additional countries as the pandemic situation evolved.

In some cases, the travel bans may be due to political tensions between the UAE and certain countries. For instance, during the Qatar diplomatic crisis, the UAE was one of several countries that imposed a travel ban on Qatari citizens and residents.

Current List of Countries Banned By UAE immigration

1. Uganda – Citizens of Uganda trying to enter UAE may be rejected or sent back.
2. Nigeria – Applicants from Nigeria would be either rejected or sent back on trying to enter UAE.
3. Republic of Guinea – Citizens of Republic of Guinea may face rejection or repatriation while trying to enter UAE.
4. Ghana – Citizens of Ghana may be turned back on trying to enter UAE.
5. Liberia – Applicants from Liberia may face rejection or repatriation while trying to enter UAE.
6. Guinea Bissau – Citizens of Guinea Bissau may be rejected or sent back while trying to enter UAE.
7. Dominican Republic – Applicants from Dominican Republic may face rejection or repatriation while trying to enter UAE.
8. Senegal – Citizens of Senegal may be turned back on trying to enter UAE.
9. Democratic Republic of Congo – Applicants from Democratic Republic of Congo may be rejected or sent back while trying to enter UAE.
10. Sierra Leone – Citizens of Sierra Leone may face rejection or repatriation while trying to enter UAE.
11. Burkina Faso – Applicants from Burkina Faso may be turned back on trying to enter UAE.
12. Comoros – Citizens of Comoros may be rejected or sent back while trying to enter UAE.
13. Kenya – Kenya has reportedly been blacklisted by the UAE, and the reason for this is believed to be the widespread issue of fake certificates. This has caused much speculation in the country, with many wondering what implications this will have on the nation’s reputation and future relations with the UAE.
14. Rwanda – Applicants from Rwanda may face rejection or repatriation while trying to enter UAE.
15. Ivory Coast – Citizens of Ivory Coast may be turned back on trying to enter UAE.
16. Benin – Applicants from Benin may be rejected or sent back while trying to enter UAE.
17. Congo – Citizens of Congo may face rejection or repatriation while trying to enter UAE.
18. Togo – Applicants from Togo may be turned back on trying to enter UAE.
19. Gambia – Citizens of Gambia may be rejected or sent back while trying to enter UAE.
20. Sudan – Applicants from Sudan may face rejection or repatriation while trying to enter UAE.
21. Burundi – Citizens of Burundi may be turned back on trying to enter UAE.
22. Pakistan – Travel agents in Pakistan have reported that the UAE has implemented a new visa policy that prohibits single men under the age of 50 from entering the country. However, those who are traveling with their family are still eligible to obtain visas. The UAE has further announced that Pakistani citizens with a single name in their passports will not be allowed entry into the country. This policy has reportedly been put in place to address concerns about security and terrorism, as well as to ensure that visitors do not overstay their visas or engage in illegal activities.
23. Afghanistan – The sudden suspension of visa issuance by the UAE to Afghan citizens has caused significant disruption in the country’s travel industry. Several travel companies have been affected by this move, with no explanation provided by the UAE. This unexpected action has left many Afghans stranded, unable to travel to the UAE for work or personal reasons. The lack of information regarding this decision has caused confusion and frustration amongst the affected parties. It remains to be seen if and when the UAE will resume issuing visas to Afghan citizens.
24. Lebanon – Visa applications to the UAE by Lebanese passport holders are currently on hold. This is a significant setback for Lebanon, which has been hit hard by its economic crisis, and has sent many skilled workers to the UAE. Only those with a foreign passport or residency in a third country are able to apply for visas. It remains unclear when the UAE will resume issuing visas to Lebanese citizens, but this development is likely to put further strain on an already fragile Lebanese economy.
25. Iran – The United Arab Emirates imposes periodic visa bans on Iranian citizens in response to strained political relations between the two countries. These visa bans are often a result of Iran’s controversial nuclear program and other geopolitical issues. While the UAE has previously welcomed Iranian visitors and workers, the visa bans have resulted in a significant decrease in the number of Iranians entering the country.
26. Yemen – The UAE imposes visa bans on Yemeni citizens periodically, citing security concerns and the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The ban is applied randomly and without prior notice.
27. Turkey – The UAE visa ban on Turkish citizens again, are imposed periodically, with no specific reasons given by the authorities. This ban has caused a lot of inconvenience to Turkish nationals who have been planning to visit the UAE for tourism, business or other reasons. The visa ban has also affected the economic and cultural ties between the two nations. Despite diplomatic efforts, the visa ban has not been lifted, and Turkish citizens are advised to check the visa regulations before planning their visit to the UAE.

Identity theft

Identity theft cases have been on the rise in Dubai. In 2019, a British man who flew to the United Arab Emirates for a job interview, fell victim to identity theft and is currently being detained in Abu Dhabi over loans worth 600,000 UK pounds that were taken out in his name.Identity theft crimes are more than the security breaches that you often see in headlines and unlike other crimes in the UAE, the burden of proving the innocence remains with the victim.

Handwritten Passports

As of November 2015, the UAE authorities have ceased to accept handwritten passports, effectively rendering them obsolete. This means that travelers with non-machine readable passports are no longer permitted to enter the UAE. This move was made as part of the government’s efforts to enhance border security, reduce the risk of identity fraud and strengthen its immigration control.

Handwritten passports were traditionally used before the advent of electronic passports, which contain an embedded microchip that stores the owner’s personal and biometric information. This technology has made it easier for governments to verify the authenticity of passports and the identity of travelers, thereby making it more difficult for individuals with fake or stolen documents to enter the country. By contrast, handwritten passports lack the advanced security features and are easier to counterfeit, making them more susceptible to misuse.

History of criminal offence, fraud or misconduct committed in the UAE.

If you have been convicted of a serious crime and deported from the UAE in the past, your visa application will be rejected for security reasons in the UAE. UAE is one of those strict countries who will not allow people with criminal or fraud backgrounds to be admitted in Dubai. Even if there has been a case against you for misconduct in UAE. Then you can count it as one of the reasons for Dubai visa rejection. Also, in addition, such applicants are blacklisted immediately.

Open Criminal Filings in the UAE

If you are planning to visit the United Arab Emirates and have a history of bounced cheque filings in the country, you may face difficulties obtaining a visa. This is because the UAE government has a strict policy on bounced cheques, and any records of such filings are likely to be reflected in the database of UAE courts and police stations.

The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy towards bounced cheques, and they are treated as a criminal offense under the UAE’s penal code. A bounced cheque is considered a serious offense and can lead to severe legal consequences. As such, the UAE authorities take this issue very seriously and maintain strict records of any such offenses.

If you have a history of bounced cheque filings in the UAE, your visa application is likely to be rejected. This is because the authorities consider this as a sign of financial instability and an inability to manage your finances properly. The UAE government wants to ensure that anyone entering the country has a stable financial background and does not pose any risk to the country’s economy or reputation.

Non cancellation of Tourist Visa applied for in the past

If you previously applied for tourist visa and did not enter the country, your visa application will be rejected. In order to get an approval, the PRO of the travel agency or sponsor must go to the immigration to clear the previous UAE visa.

As a foreign national, if you have applied for a prepaid visit visa to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but now for some reason, you wish to cancel it, you can do so by contacting your visa agent or the government agency through which you applied for the visa. In most cases, the process for cancelling a UAE prepaid visit visa is relatively straightforward, provided you meet the necessary requirements.

The first step towards cancelling a prepaid visit visa is to contact your visa agent or the government agency through which you applied for the visa. You will need to submit a written request to cancel your visa, which should include your name, passport number, and visa reference number. You may also need to provide a reason for cancelling the visa.

Once you have submitted your request, the sponsor needs to approve it. The sponsor is the person or organization that has invited you to the UAE. This could be a hotel, a company, or a relative. The sponsor will be contacted by the visa agent or government agency, and they will need to provide written approval for the cancellation.

If the sponsor approves the cancellation, your prepaid visit visa will be cancelled, and you will not be able to enter the UAE on that visa. However, it is important to note that you will not receive a refund for the visa fees you paid when you applied for the visa.

Non cancellation of unused Residence Permits

If you had applied for an employment visa through a prospective employer but did not enter the country, it is important to note that your visa application will likely be rejected. In order to obtain approval, it will be necessary for the PRO (public relations officer) of a travel agency or sponsor to go to the UAE immigration and clear the previous employment visa.

This process can be somewhat complicated, as it may involve a number of steps and requirements. For example, the PRO will typically need to provide a range of documents and other information, including details about the previous employment visa, the reason why it was not used, and the current status of the individual in question.

Once this information has been reviewed and verified by the UAE immigration authorities, it may be possible to obtain clearance for the previous employment visa. This can be an important step in ensuring that you are able to obtain a new employment visa in the future, as it may help to clear up any issues or concerns that could prevent your application from being approved.

Application Errors

The process of applying for a UAE visa can be a daunting and meticulous task, and one that should be handled with care and attention to detail. Even the slightest typo error in the application can lead to significant delays in getting approval or, worse still, result in the rejection of the passport.

Errors in the name, passport number, or profession code can all have a profound impact on the visa application process. A wrong name or passport number can lead to confusion, and in some cases, raise suspicion about the authenticity of the passport. Moreover, a wrongly inputted profession code can be the difference between getting the visa approved or rejected.

It is essential to ensure that all the details in the visa application are correct before submitting it. Double-checking and even triple-checking the application form can prevent costly mistakes that could lead to significant delays in the visa processing time or, worse still, result in a rejection.

Applications from females below the age of 25

If you are a female below the age of 25 and travelling without your parents or relatives, it’s most likely that your UAE visa will be rejected or the approval process may be delayed.

Vague Photos

If you have submitted a scanned copy of your passport when you submitted your visa application online. Then most likely your visa application process may be delayed or rejected. This is one of the most common reasons for Dubai visa rejection. Make sure that the scanned copy of the passport which you are sending is legible and clear, and it does not contain any blurred lines or shadows.

Political Participation

The UAE adopts various security measures to ensure the well being of its citizens. If you have participated in political movements in any of the GCC countries, it’s highly likely that your Visa applications will get rejected.The GCC is a political and economic alliance of six countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait. The UAE, being one of the most stable countries in the region, has taken on the responsibility of safeguarding the region’s stability and security. As such, any political activity that could potentially destabilize the region or put its citizens in harm’s way is not taken lightly by the UAE government.

Mistaken Identity

The UAE has reported several case of mistaken identity in the past where one or more given particulars of a passport match with that of a wanted person. This will lead to visa rejection in the UAE for security reasons. Visa applicants who have similar names, same date of birth, etc. are more likely to face a delay in getting an approved visa or in worst scenarios, it may even be rejected. These are one of the common reasons for Dubai visa rejection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about UAE Visa Rejections

1. What are the common reasons for UAE visa rejections?
   Common reasons for UAE visa rejections include non-cancellation of previous visas, applications from banned countries, identity theft, handwritten passports, criminal offenses, and application errors.
2. How does the non-cancellation of previous residence visas affect future visa applications?
   If you fail to officially cancel your previous UAE residence visa, your new visa application may be rejected due to unresolved prior statuses.
3. Are citizens from certain countries banned from entering the UAE?
   Yes, citizens from specific countries such as Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, and others may face visa rejections due to political, security, or public health concerns.
4. Why is identity theft a reason for visa rejection in the UAE?
   The UAE takes identity theft seriously. If any aspect of your identity is fraudulent or stolen, your visa application will likely be rejected.
5. Can having a handwritten passport result in a UAE visa rejection?
   Yes, the UAE no longer accepts handwritten passports. All passports must be machine-readable to ensure security and prevent forgery.
6. Will a history of criminal offenses in the UAE affect my visa application?
   Yes, if you have a history of criminal offenses, fraud, or misconduct in the UAE, your visa application will likely be rejected, and you may be blacklisted.
7. How can open criminal filings in the UAE affect visa approval?
   Open criminal filings, such as bounced cheques, can lead to visa rejection as the UAE considers financial crimes very seriously.
8. What happens if I fail to cancel a previous UAE tourist visa?
   If you applied for a tourist visa but never entered the country, failing to cancel it can lead to future visa applications being rejected until the previous visa issue is resolved.
9. Can errors in my visa application lead to rejection?
   Yes, small errors such as incorrect name spelling, passport number, or profession codes can cause delays or even rejection of your visa application.
10. Is it harder for females under 25 to obtain a UAE visa?
    Yes, females under the age of 25 who are traveling without parents or relatives may face delays or rejections when applying for a UAE visa.
11. Why is submitting unclear passport photos a cause for visa rejection?
    Submitting unclear or illegible passport photos can result in visa delays or rejections, as the UAE requires clear and readable documents for security verification.
12. Can participating in political movements affect my UAE visa approval?
    Yes, participating in political movements, especially in GCC countries, can negatively impact your visa approval due to concerns about regional stability and security.
13. How does mistaken identity contribute to UAE visa rejections?
    Mistaken identity, where applicant details such as name or date of birth match those of a wanted person, can lead to visa delays or rejections.

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