The Workers Rights 
For those who are looking for a US work visa from a Muslim-majority country, 2026 has ushered in some of the most stringent work visa restrictions in the USA in decades. Immigration from these countries has fallen by as much as 96% from the end of 2024, and the numbers are not seasonal. The new US immigration policy for 2026 affects almost every people group around the world who are Muslim.
Quick Facts: US Work Visas for Muslim Countries in 2026
| Fact | Detail |
| Drop in legal immigration | Up to 96% in Muslim countries |
| Comparisons with other countries | The only exception is non-Muslim-majority countries, where the drop is just 36%. |
| Refugee admissions | Came to a halt for Muslim nations |
| Countries affected | Almost all of the 45 majority-Muslim countries |
| Countries seeing increases | Qatar, Indonesia, UAE |
| Afghan admissions | This has dropped from 5563 to only 9 per month. |
| Family member visas | Down 95% |
What’s Actually Happening With US Immigration Restrictions?
A series of immigration measures in the United States started in early 2025, when a presidential proclamation was issued to temporarily halt refugee arrivals for 120 days. That was followed by a broader directive barring entry from 40 countries — 10 of which are majority-Muslim.
21,000 immigrant visa issuances were received in the month of December, 2024, but dropped to 808 in February, 2026 from all 45 majority-Muslim countries. It isn’t a rounding error; it’s almost an entire blockage of legal immigration channels for both workers and refugees and families.
The pattern is notable when contrasted with the worldwide situation; although the restrictions on foreign workers have tightened broadly in the United States, Muslim-majority countries have faced more than double the restrictions as compared to the rest of the world.
Who Is Being Affected?
Labourers who are seeking Employment Visas
The restrictions on H-1B visas have not been announced as a separate policy, but rather the overall tightened restrictions on the US employment visa rules are creating additional difficulties for skilled workers from affected countries to come — or return to — the US job market.
Families of U.S. Citizens
The new restrictions prevent half of the immigrants who are spouses and minor children of citizens from being allowed into the country. These were not undocumented migrants; they were legally entitled to do so according to an established set of immigration rules.
Refugees
No more refugee admissions from Muslim countries have been allowed. This is the most dramatic of the statistics: after more than 5,000 monthly admissions, admissions dropped to zero.
Comparison: US Visa Impact — Muslim-Majority vs. Other Countries
| Category | Muslim-Majority Countries | All Other Countries |
| Overall immigration drop | 96% | 36% |
| Refugee admissions | Zero | Reduced but ongoing |
| Family-based visa drop | ~95% | Moderate decline |
| Work/employment visas | Severely restricted | Partially restricted |
| Countries with increases | Qatar, Indonesia, UAE | Several |
This gap is significant. Muslim-majority countries are almost three times more likely to impose restrictions on visas compared to the rest of the world, according to the data.
Which Countries Are Affected by US Work Visa Restrictions?
Most of the 45 majority-Muslim countries have experienced dramatic drops. Most impacted:
- Admissions to Afghanistan plunged from 5,563 to 9 per month.
- Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt and others – sharp falls across the board.
The only increases, by exception, are in Qatar, Indonesia and the UAE, indicating that some economic ties and diplomatic relationships may be influencing who is exempt from general US immigration restrictions on foreign workers.
What Workers Need to Know About New US Immigration Barriers in 2026
Practical reality: If you are not currently in the United States and you are a citizen of a majority Muslim country, then this is what you must be aware of:
- A denial or delay of a visa application may be even longer – even for employment-related categories like employment-based visas.
- The number of family reunification visas is at a historic low – those visas are for spouses and children of U.S. citizens
- No guaranteed refugee pathway – admissions have been cancelled.
- Those who have held work visas but are already in the country will not be directly impacted, but renewals and change of status requests may be subject to additional scrutiny.
Those planning to obtain work visas from America for Muslim-majority countries in 2026 would strongly be encouraged to consult with an immigration lawyer prior to applying.
Can Workers From Muslim-Majority Countries Still Obtain US Work Visas in 2026?
Yes, but much less so than it was before. There are still employment-based visas (such as the H-1B) open, and some applicants from affected countries are still being accepted. But the foreign worker situation in the US from these areas has become rather restrictive overall.
On the basis of existing data, workers from Qatar, Indonesia and the UAE seem to have fewer barriers than workers from other Muslim countries.
FAQs: US Work Visa Restrictions and Muslim-Majority Countries
What about H-1B visas for workers from Muslim-majority countries?
The US immigration policy environment in 2026 has introduced de facto barriers to obtaining H-1B visas via greater scrutiny, longer processing periods, and bans on visas from certain countries for skilled workers, even those who qualify for H-1B visas.
Which Islamic countries do not face the impact?
The number of visas issued by the authorities in Qatar, Indonesia, and UAE has increased. This shows that there are some exceptions made and perhaps because of bilateral relations between the two nations.
Is this the same as the “Muslim Ban” implemented by the previous administration?
These travel restrictions affect many countries and are more effective than the previous travel bans. These US immigration restrictions have resulted in a 96% fall in travel to most of the Muslim-majority countries, which was not observed previously during the travel ban on the same countries.
What do I do if my visa application gets delayed?
Call a licensed US immigration lawyer. There are unusual delays in applications from affected countries, and legal professional assistance is the most accurate way of knowing your situation.
Are the new US immigration barriers permanent?
The current limitations are based on executive proclamations, which may be changed or extended by subsequent administrations. Nothing is enshrined in law yet, so there is a chance that it may alter — either way.
More Global Work Visa Updates
Where Are Visa Risks Rising?
Find the latest UK migrant worker visa concerns.
How Will US Rules Impact?
Check out who faces tougher work visa restrictions.
Which Cities Welcome Remote Workers?
Explore the best global work-life hotspots.
Where Can Digital Nomads Work?
Browse the top visa-friendly destinations.
What’s Changing In UK Visas?
Get to know the latest immigration rule updates.
