The United Arab Emirates has imposed new restrictions barring most citizens of Iran from entering or transiting through the country, according to updates issued by major airlines.
Dubai-based carriers Emirates and flydubai announced on their websites that Iranian nationals are currently not allowed to enter or pass through the UAE, marking a significant tightening of travel rules amid growing regional tensions.
However, the airlines said the restriction comes with limited exemptions. Individuals who may still be permitted entry include Iranian residents who are spouses of Emirati citizens, children of Emirati mothers, and certain professionals such as doctors, engineers, investors, athletes, bank executives, traders and other senior specialists.
Holders of the UAE’s long-term “Golden Visa” residency programme are also exempt from the restriction, according to flydubai’s travel advisory.
Travel agencies operating in the UAE have also reported a sharp rise in visa rejections for Iranian applicants since the outbreak of the ongoing Middle East conflict. Some agencies told AFP they had received instructions not to accept new visa applications from Iranian nationals.
Members of the Iranian community in the UAE said the measures appear to be recent, suggesting a shift in immigration policy as relations between the two neighbouring countries deteriorate.
The move follows heightened tensions between Tehran and Gulf states, with the conflict affecting several countries in the region and prompting diplomatic measures, including the closure of the UAE’s embassy in Tehran and the recall of its ambassador.
VANGUARD