Saudi Arabia Joins Jordan, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Iran, and Several Other Countries in Middle East in Facing Prolonged Travel Hold-ups as US Implements Stricter H‑1B Visa Interview and Public Charge Fee Policies

Published on January 23, 2026

Saudi Arabia Joins Jordan, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Iran, and Several Other Countries in the Middle East in Facing Prolonged Travel Hold-ups as the US Implements Stricter H‑1B Visa Interview and Public Charge Fee Policies due to a tightening of US immigration regulations that have significantly delayed visa processing. These changes have led to lengthy backlogs in visa appointments, stricter interview protocols, and the introduction of a public charge fee, which have all combined to create an unprecedented level of uncertainty for professionals, workers, and students from the Middle East seeking to travel to the U.S. The stringent rules have particularly impacted H‑1B visa holders, with appointments being pushed into 2027 and many families facing unforeseen hurdles in their travel plans. These disruptions are compounded by prudential visa revocations, where the visas of dependents, such as spouses and children, are being unexpectedly canceled due to prior issues with the H‑1B visa holder’s background. As a result, countries across the Middle East are grappling with not only longer waiting times but also added costs and administrative hurdles, making the once-straightforward process of securing a U.S. visa more difficult than ever before.

In 2026, a dramatic shift in U.S. visa policies is causing widespread travel disruptions across the Middle East. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Iran, and other Middle Eastern nations are feeling the brunt of the U.S. government’s tightening of H‑1B visa rules. This change in immigration laws has led to visa appointment backlogs, increasing visa stamping delays, and growing uncertainty for professionals and students who rely on the H‑1B visa to work and study in the U.S. The tougher interview protocols, along with the newly introduced public charge fee, are significantly complicating the process, making it harder for travelers to plan their next moves.

The Impact of the US Visa Changes

Tightening of H‑1B Visa Rules

The H‑1B visa, which allows highly skilled workers to temporarily work in the U.S., has always been a critical pathway for professionals, especially from countries like India, China, and the Middle East. However, the U.S. government’s recent changes to immigration policies in 2026 have drastically altered the way H‑1B visa holders process their applications. Among the most significant changes are stricter interview rules, which have led to prolonged delays in securing appointments for interviews.

Previously, applicants from the Middle East were able to expect a relatively straightforward interview process. However, under the new regulations, interviews are now much more extensive, including rigorous background checks, social media vetting, and interviews focusing on the applicant’s personal and professional history. These added steps have compounded the delays, pushing appointments further into 2027. For many Middle Eastern nationals, what was once a relatively simple process now involves months of waiting.

Public Charge Fee

In addition to the lengthy wait times, the U.S. has imposed a new public charge fee, which requires visa applicants to prove that they are financially stable and unlikely to rely on U.S. government benefits. This added fee is a significant barrier for many applicants, particularly those from regions with unstable economies. The public charge rule has made it more difficult for workers from Middle Eastern countries to successfully apply for the H‑1B visa and has led to even more delays in the processing of visa applications.

Prudential Revocation of Visas

Another key issue that has emerged amid these changes is the rise of prudential visa revocation. This process allows U.S. authorities to revoke a visa based on newly discovered information that could affect an applicant’s eligibility. For H‑4 visa holders, who are the spouses and children of H‑1B visa holders, this has become a growing concern. Many H‑4 visa holders have found that their visas were revoked unexpectedly when U.S. authorities flagged past issues with the H‑1B spouse’s background, such as old DUI convictions. These unexpected revocations have added to the uncertainty and frustration faced by Middle Eastern nationals hoping to reunite with their families or begin work in the U.S.

How Middle Eastern Countries Are Affected

As U.S. visa regulations tighten, Middle Eastern countries are facing significant disruptions. The H‑1B visa delays have created a ripple effect that is impacting a broad range of countries across the region. Below is a closer look at how each of the Middle Eastern nations has been affected by the changes in U.S. visa processing:

Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, the tightening of H‑1B visa rules has resulted in delayed appointments and backlog issues for Saudi nationals. Many Saudi professionals, particularly those working in engineering, technology, and healthcare, are facing lengthy waiting periods for visa interviews, which have now been pushed to 2027. The delays have forced many professionals to rethink their career timelines and even consider alternative employment options.

Jordan

Jordan has seen similar issues, with skilled workers facing delays in their H‑1B visa applications. As the backlog worsens, Jordanians hoping to travel to the U.S. for work or study are being told to wait months for an appointment. The stricter interview protocols and increased documentation requirements are further complicating the process for many applicants.

UAE

The UAE, with its significant population of expatriates, especially those working in the oil and gas, engineering, and finance sectors, is one of the hardest-hit nations in the Middle East. Dubai and Abu Dhabi residents, who once had access to relatively quick visa appointments, are now facing lengthy delays. Many professionals who were planning to travel to the U.S. in early 2026 are now stuck in visa limbo, unsure when they will be able to begin their careers in the U.S.

Qatar

Qatar has also been affected by the backlog of H‑1B visa appointments. Qatari nationals, particularly those employed in the construction and healthcare industries, are facing delays in securing interviews due to the stricter screening processes. Many Qatari citizens, who had expected to travel to the U.S. for work in 2026, are now dealing with uncertainty and increased costs associated with the public charge fee.

Oman

Oman has seen similar disruptions, with Omani professionals experiencing visa delays as the U.S. government ramps up its vetting process. Omanis seeking to work in the U.S. now face extended waiting periods before they can secure an interview. Many Omanis are now having to delay their travel plans and consider alternative pathways for employment.

Kuwait

In Kuwait, the H‑1B visa changes have hit skilled workers hard, particularly those seeking employment in the information technology and medical sectors. Kuwaiti nationals who were hoping to secure an H‑1B visa in 2026 are now facing uncertain timelines, with many applicants pushed back to 2027.

Iran

Iran has long been impacted by U.S. visa restrictions, but the 2026 changes to the H‑1B visa process have made it even harder for Iranians to travel to the U.S. The strict new interview procedures and social media vetting requirements have further complicated the application process, leaving many Iranians in a state of uncertainty about their futures.

Lebanon

In Lebanon, the visa delays have created anxiety for many professionals. Lebanese citizens seeking to travel to the U.S. for work on H‑1B visas are now waiting longer than ever for their interviews. The tightening of visa rules has made it more difficult for Lebanese nationals to move forward with their U.S. career plans.

Syria

The ongoing political crisis in Syria has only made visa delays worse for Syrian nationals. Those applying for H‑1B visas are facing significant visa processing challenges, and many are encountering long delays in getting their interviews scheduled. This has placed additional pressure on professionals who were hoping to start new lives in the U.S.

Iraq

Iraq has been experiencing visa delays due to the new U.S. immigration rules. Iraqis seeking H‑1B visas are now forced to wait longer for their appointments, with many travelers facing delayed opportunities. The current visa bottleneck is impacting Iraqi nationals who were hoping to seek employment in the U.S. in the coming year.

Yemen

Finally, Yemen has also seen significant disruptions due to the visa delays. The prolonged wait times for H‑1B visa processing are preventing many Yemeni professionals from traveling to the U.S. for employment or educational purposes. With the new public charge fee and delays in appointment scheduling, many Yemeni nationals are struggling to find clarity regarding their visa applications.

Travelers’ Tips: What You Need to Do to Navigate the US Visa Delays

With the tightening of US visa rules and the growing backlog of appointments, many professionals from the Middle East are left wondering what their next steps should be. If you’re caught in the web of delayed US visa processing, it’s important to remain proactive and prepared. Here are some key tips for H‑1B visa holders and other travelers navigating this challenging situation:

1. Postpone Non-Essential Travel Plans

If you are planning to travel to the U.S. for visa stamping or an interview, experts recommend postponing your trip unless absolutely necessary. With appointments being deferred until 2027, it’s crucial to stay flexible and avoid unnecessary travel if your visa application is still pending.

2. Keep a Close Eye on Your Email for Updates

Email communication from the U.S. consulate is the primary way in which they will notify you about any changes to your visa status or interview schedule. If you receive an email stating that your visa appointment has been delayed, make sure you read the communication carefully and check the updated date.

3. Check the US Visa Wait Times Regularly

The US Department of State provides an online tool to track visa wait times at U.S. embassies and consulates. Before you make any decisions about traveling or rescheduling, check these wait times regularly for the consulate you’re dealing with.

4. Consider Alternative U.S. Consulates or Embassies

If delays in your country are too lengthy, you might want to consider applying for a visa at a different consulate or embassy in a nearby country.

5. Consult an Immigration Attorney

Given the complexity of the new visa rules, consulting with an immigration attorney can help you navigate this challenging process.

6. Prepare All Necessary Documents Well in Advance

The new H‑1B visa interview process has become increasingly thorough, and the U.S. consulate is now requesting more documentation than ever before.

Saudi Arabia Joins Jordan, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Iran, and Several Other Countries in the Middle East in Facing Prolonged Travel Hold-ups as the US Implements Stricter H‑1B Visa Interview and Public Charge Fee Policies. These new regulations have led to significant delays in visa processing, longer interview wait times, and additional fees, causing uncertainty for professionals and workers hoping to travel to the U.S.

The tightening of U.S. visa rules in 2026 has created significant obstacles for Middle Eastern travelers, especially those applying for H‑1B visas. As visa delays and new regulations continue to disrupt travel plans, individuals and families across the region are facing unprecedented challenges. The future of U.S. immigration for many Middle Eastern nationals is uncertain, and all applicants must be prepared for lengthy delays and additional scrutiny. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the U.S. government will address the ongoing visa bottleneck and whether any relief will be provided to Middle Eastern professionals seeking to work and study in the U.S.