Overview:
Remittances from Ugandans in the UAE are now a top foreign exchange source, growing to $350 million in 2024, as the embassy in Abu Dhabi denies a visa ban.
KAMPALA, Uganda — The Ugandan Embassy in Abu Dhabi has refuted recent social media claims of a visa ban on its nationals by the United Arab Emirates, announcing that remittances from Ugandans in the UAE have surged to $350 million in 2024.
This marks a sevenfold increase from $50 million in 2018.
In a statement issued Friday, the embassy confirmed that there has been “no official statement from the Government of the United Arab Emirates communicating restrictions or a ban on visa issuance to Ugandan nationals.”
The number of Ugandans living and working in the UAE has quadrupled over the last six years, rising from 40,000 in 2018 to 160,000 in 2025. This expanding diaspora is now a key driver of foreign exchange inflows for Uganda.
Trade between the two nations has also grown significantly, with the UAE emerging as Uganda’s largest export market since October 2024. Bilateral trade has reached $2.85 billion, while Emirati foreign direct investment has increased tenfold to more than $3 billion in 2024.
The embassy urged Ugandans to rely on official channels for visa information, submit complete applications, and avoid using third-party agents. The statement also acknowledged ongoing human trafficking investigations in the UAE, noting that details would be released later to avoid jeopardizing the process.
Remittances from the UAE are now Uganda’s top source of foreign exchange from migrant workers, surpassing Saudi Arabia at $280 million and Europe at $250 million. Overall, remittances are now the second-largest source of foreign exchange for Uganda after coffee exports.