MFA Dismisses Claims of Uzbek Citizens Being Banned from UAE
Uzbekistan-UAE Visa-Free Regime Remains in Effect Amidst Rumors
A representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Uzbekistan has reaffirmed that the visa-free travel arrangement between Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is still active. This clarification comes in response to misleading reports circulating on social media that claimed a ban on entry for Uzbek citizens to the UAE.
The MFA spokesperson firmly stated that these rumors are unfounded and emphasized that there have been no official announcements regarding any such travel restrictions. "The existing visa-free regime between Uzbekistan and the UAE remains in force," the spokesperson confirmed, urging citizens to rely solely on official and verified sources for accurate information.
The backdrop for these rumors stems from recent incidents in Dubai, where a violent altercation involving dozens of Uzbek individuals was captured on video and circulated online. Following this incident, UAE authorities detained 15 Uzbek nationals, prompting concerns over potential repercussions for the broader community in terms of travel privileges.
MFA spokesperson Ahror Burkhanov addressed these concerns, noting that an increase in legal infractions by Uzbek citizens abroad could jeopardize the visa-free arrangement. He urged citizens to engage in respectful and law-abiding behavior when traveling, asserting that actions that damage the reputation of Uzbekistan could have serious consequences for future travel opportunities.
In a related development, Abu Dhabi’s Ministry of Tourism announced the temporary suspension of the e-visa application service for several countries, including Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. This measure aims to curb unauthorized attempts to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage by those traveling for tourism or Umrah.
As the situation evolves, the MFA continues to encourage vigilance among travelers and maintains its commitment to providing timely updates on matters affecting Uzbek citizens abroad.
