Policy pause affects digital nomads from Europe, Asia, and North America
The United Arab Emirates has temporarily suspended the issuance of new freelance visas, impacting digital nomads and independent workers from Europe, Asia, and North America who had planned to relocate.
Immigration authorities cited the need to review and optimize the program's framework to better align with labor market needs and regulatory goals.
Existing freelance visa holders are not affected, and officials say they expect to announce revised procedures in the coming months.