How will the US visa pause affect Middle East countries?

The US visa pause, ordered by President Donald Trump's administration, is affecting applicants for immigrant visas to the United States. The delay, which is global and expected to last weeks, is aimed at ensuring that visa applicants do not become public charges or claim benefits reserved for US citizens. However, tourist and business visas such as B1 and B2 are not expected to be impacted.

Countries in the Middle East, including Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, are among those affected by the visa pause. The State Department's list of affected countries also includes Gulf nations like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, although they were not initially on the list imposed in January. A federal judge recently ruled the 75-country policy "contrary to law and in excess of statutory authority."

The visa pause comes as part of a broader crackdown on potential visa fraud and abuse worldwide. Since the start of his administration last year, the State Department has revoked over 175,000 visas for individuals who violated visa terms, committed crimes, or posed national-security concerns. Additionally, the administration is reportedly planning to revoke up to 200,000 business and tourist visas for those who have claimed asylum in the US.

In fiscal year 2024, the US issued 36,204 immigrant visas to people from the Middle East and Gulf countries. Yemen and Iran received the most visas, with 6,499 and 6,261 respectively. Egypt followed with 6,190 visas, while the UAE granted 755, Qatar received 292, and Oman issued 41. Despite political tensions, Yemen and Iran were the top recipients of US immigrant visas during that period.