Emirati authorities have halted the issuing of work visas and residency permits to Egyptians resident in the country, according to official Emirati sources.
The decision was prompted by the change in Egyptian foreign policy and Egypt’s recent rapprochement with Iran, the sources added.
The Emirati Directorate of Residence and Foreigners' Affairs, meanwhile, attributed the decision to "the lack of stable security authorities in Egypt, which could be referred to for enquiries about people wishing to work in the UAE."
The same sources said the decision is intended “to protect the country and prevent unwanted people from causing a direct or indirect threat to the stability of the country.”
Meanwhile, an informed Emirati source who refused to be identified said the decision is the result of the lack of a clear Egyptian foreign policy since the 25 January revolution.
The source also said that Gulf countries are concerned about the strengthening of relations between Egypt and the UAE and Egypt’s insistence on bringing former President Hosni Mubarak to trial.
This undeclared decision has forced several Egyptians residing in the UAE to return to Egypt.
The Egyptian Embassy in the UAE, meanwhile, called on the Egyptian community in the UAE to remain calm. On its official website, the embassy urged Egyptians facing difficulties to come to the embassy and bring the relevant documents.
