According to a Dubai Airport Freezone circular, the United Arab Emirates suspended visa services for 13 countries, many of them Arab nations, on Nov. 18.

It is not yet known how long the suspension will be in effect. 

Nationals of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Somalia, Lebanon, Tunisia, Libya, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Kenya, and Algeria will no longer be eligible for work or visit visas. 

The reason for the suspension is unclear. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry has been quoted saying the decision is "related to the second wave of COVID-19."