KATHMANDU: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has temporarily suspended visit visas for Nepali citizens.

Although the Nepali Embassy has not received an official notification, it confirmed informally through UAE authorities that the decision has taken effect from Monday (September 15).

It is understood that the suspension follows investigations into vandalism, arson, and looting during the protests in Nepal on September 9.

Additionally, the recent prison break incident in Nepal is also believed to have prompted the UAE to adopt stricter measures. The UAE is the top destination for Nepalis traveling on visit visas.

Brokers have long misused visit visas to traffic Nepali women to countries like Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain for domestic work, which has made UAE authorities more cautious on the issue.