Authorities in the United Arab Emirates(UAE) have announced a visa ban slapped on Sierra Leoneans and 20 other nationalities seeking to visit Dubai with immediate effect.

“This is to inform you that we will not be posting 30 days visa applications for these nationalities effective today October, 18, 2022,” the notice read in part.

Sierraloaded leant that other countries affected by the visa ban include Ghana, Uganda, Sudan, Cameroon, Nigeria, Liberia, Burundi, Republic of Guinea, Gambia, Togo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Benin, Ivory Coast, Congo, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Guinea Bissau, Comoros and Dominican Republic.

In a notice issued to trade partners including travel agents, authorities indicated that all applications should be rejected.

“Any applications from the above mentioned countries will be sent back or cancelled.”

The development is the latest in efforts by UAE while tightening the noose for foreigners into the country.

Many people, especially Africans seeking to work in UAE, mostly in Dubai have in the past been using the 30 day visit visas as a scapegoat to stay in the country.

It is said that after applying and getting a visit visa, one then flies to the country as a visitor but uses this time to look for a job.

It has also been said that many on visit visas end up overstaying in the country illegally while working without legalizing their stay in the sand dunes country.