UAE cancels residency visas for Iranians: UK-based media

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UAE cancels residency visas for Iranians: UK-based media report

March 30, 2026

DUBAI,—The United Arab Emirates has in recent days revoked residency visas of Iranian nationals who were outside the country, leaving some unable to return, based on accounts received from affected individuals and information gathered by Iran International.

Iran International, a Persian language satellite television channel and multilingual digital news organization based in London, reported that several Iranian residents discovered their visas had been canceled before traveling back to the UAE.

This prevented their re entry as tensions between the two countries increased after Iranian strikes on the Arab state.

Earlier reports had also indicated that tourist visas for Iranian citizens traveling to the UAE had been canceled.

Several individuals described sudden visa cancellations while they were abroad. One Iranian resident said he had traveled to India with his family after the outbreak of war.

Upon attempting to return, he found his residency visa had been revoked, while his non Iranian family members were still permitted to enter the UAE.

Another individual said his residency, linked to a 10-year golden visa, was canceled while he was outside the country.

A London based Iranian holding a United Kingdom work visa said he discovered that his UAE residency had been revoked before departing for Dubai.

As of the time of reporting, UAE authorities had not issued an official statement. Iran International said it had requested clarification from Emirati officials but had not received a response.

The situation comes amid rising regional tensions. After the start of joint United States and Israeli strikes against Iran, Tehran launched attacks targeting countries in the region. Reports indicate the UAE faced the highest number of these strikes.

Official statistics state that Iran has launched 393 ballistic and cruise missiles and 1,835 drones toward the UAE. The attacks resulted in at least 10 deaths and 171 injuries, including Iranian nationals.

UAE residency visa — Photo: X/via DubaiDiplomacy.com

In response, UAE authorities have suspended operations of institutions linked to Iran. These include an Iranian hospital, Iranian schools, the Club of Iranians, the UAE branch of Islamic Azad University, and the Imam Hossein mosque.

Housing units associated with these institutions have been vacated. Staff members whose visas were tied to them, including teachers and some medical workers, have also had their residency permits canceled, based on information obtained by Iran International.

At least five Iranian schools in the UAE have been closed, and student records have been returned to families.

Individuals whose visas were revoked are being sent back to Iran through Afghanistan. They are first transferred to Herat and then cross the border by land.

UAE authorities have also instructed Iran’s consulate in Dubai to reduce its staff and continue operations with minimal personnel.

Senior UAE officials have recently taken stronger public positions against Iran.

UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan labeled Iran a “terrorist” state, while President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan referred to the country as an “enemy” and cautioned that it would “not be an easy target”.

Earlier this month, The Wall Street Journal reported that the UAE is weighing a plan to freeze billions of dollars in Iranian assets held in the Gulf state, a move that could restrict Tehran’s access to foreign currency and international trade amid the ongoing U.S. and Israeli military confrontation with Iran.

(With files from iranintl.com, Agencies)