UAE suspends visa issuance for Somalis over COVID-19

GOOBJOOG NEWS| UAE:   The United Arab Emirates, a major business destination for Somali traders has suspended visa issuance to Somali nationals in light of anticipation of a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Emirati foreign affairs ministry said Wednesday it was suspending travel into its territory by Somalis and nationals of other 11 countries including Kenya and mainly Arab countries. Other countries affected by the order include Pakistan, Syria, Yemen and Iran.

The ministry, however, noted those who have already been issued with visas will not be affected.

The gulf nation has since recorded close to 160,000 COVID-19 cases with over 1,200 new cases recorded on Wednesday alone.

It was not immediately clear how long the suspension will last.