With the recent changes in the Gulf region and the unbalanced global situation in terms of nature, politics, and the economy, it is important to seek solutions to diversify investment opportunities and develop an alternative plan to benefit from them in such circumstances.

The optimal solution today is second citizenship programs, which grant investors and their family members a second passport and various opportunities, including investment, financial, family, and social benefits.

It’s worth noting that second citizenship programs are programs that grant citizenship and a dual passport by investment in real estate or contribution to the economies of certain countries, providing not only second citizenship but also numerous associated opportunities.

Second Citizenship Programs and the UAE Visa Suspension

Second citizenship programs are emerging as an ideal solution to visa suspensions between countries around the world, the latest of which was implemented by the United Arab Emirates at the end of September 2025.

This Gulf state, a popular destination for investors and businessmen, has suspended tourist and work visas for citizens of nine countries: Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Sudan, Somalia, and Uganda.

This decision officially ends the UAE visa application process for citizens of these nine countries starting next year, while allowing existing visa holders to continue applying.

Second Citizenship Programs and Visa Suspension in the KSA

The Saudi government has suspended family visit visas for 14 countries for one year. The decision, issued in April 2025, raised concerns among businessmen, high-net-worth individuals, and families residing in the Kingdom.

The announcement stipulated the suspension of multiple family visit visas for citizens of these 14 countries. Instead, they will be able to apply for a single visa, but with stricter restrictions and additional documentation requirements.

It is worth noting that the 14 affected nationalities are: Iraq, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.

For years, citizens of these countries have been able to obtain multiple visas within a single year without having to reapply. However, the new law could disrupt many plans and make travel more complicated, difficult, and expensive.

It is unknown how long this measure will be in effect and whether it will be expanded to include new countries, but it is certain that these measures will affect individuals and businesses. Therefore, applying for a second citizenship is a wise decision in light of these measures.

Reasons for the Suspension of UAE and Saudi Arabia Visas

✓ The first reason is security concerns, including document forgery, theft, and combating illegal immigration.

✓ The COVID-19 pandemic continues to complicate life in some countries, forcing some, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, to combat the spread of virus variants, especially from countries with weak health systems.

✓ Diplomatic relations between countries around the world fluctuate depending on the surrounding circumstances and internal situations of each country. These are other reasons for the visa suspension.

✓ Another reason behind these decisions is the internal systems in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which tend to become more digital and automated over time, which conflicts with some regulations.

The economic impact of the decision

✓ The labor market is more severely affected.

✓ Suspending work for citizens of these countries.

✓ Financial flows to citizens and families of the affected countries have been halted.

✓ Canceling alternative plans and opportunities for those affected, even though some consider them essential.

Second Citizenship Programs for Those Seeking Easy Access

Diversifying residency and passports through second citizenship programs provides diverse opportunities and protects individuals from geopolitical risks, which are not limited to developing countries, as no country is immune to these risks.

Accordingly, a Caribbean passport is the ideal solution for investors from these and other affected countries, because even if you are safe today, you never know how you will be treated tomorrow.

Caribbean second citizenship programs are a good option because they require reasonable investments and provide a strong second passport that helps you enter and reside in the Gulf in particular and the Middle East in general.

Ease of movement is not the only benefit you get with second citizenship programs; there are many other advantages if you are an individual investor, head of a family, an entrepreneur, or someone looking for financial and tax opportunities.

To learn more about the repercussions of Gulf visa cancellation or if you need to create alternative plans with the help of second citizenship programs, read our blog section, which contains articles on citizenship by investment and investment residency program.