- The Minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris, declared that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to resume visa issuance to Nigerians
- The UAE had denied Nigerians access to the country in 2022 for some reasons
- Nigerians reacted as some celebrated the visa ban lift while others questioned the condition of the visa application process
The Federal Government has signed an agreement with the United Arab Emirates government to resume visa issuance to Nigerians who wish to travel to the Middle Eastern country.
The Minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the development on his official page on X, he stated:
“Following successful talks and extensive, mutually beneficial negotiations between the government of the United Arab Emirates and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, an agreement was reached allowing for the resumption of travel to the UAE for Nigerian passport holders.
“This agreement includes updated controls and conditions to facilitate obtaining a UAE visa. The resumption of visas will be effective from July 15, 2024. Nigerians wishing to learn more about the updated visa conditions from the UAE can visit the document verification hub for any additional information.”
In 2022, The UAE immigration authorities announced a visa ban on Nigerians looking to enter the country, adding that all submitted applications had been rejected with non-refundable fees due to diplomatic disputes. Also, at the time, Dubai’s Emirates Airline halted flights to Nigeria because the Central Bank of Nigeria couldn’t remit an estimated $85m in revenue to the UAE.
However, the federal government declared on July 15 that the issues had been resolved, and Nigerians can now obtain a visa to visit the UAE.
Nigerians react to resumption of UAE visa issuance
Following the resumption of visa issuance to Nigerians by the United Arab Emirates, this development has sparked some reactions among Nigerians who expressed themselves as seen on X.
@adeseun4u2c wrote: “HM, how is it justifiable for the UAE to charge Nigerians a sum of ₦640,000 for document verification prior to visa application. This is different from the visa application cost. To make matter worse, the validity of the verified doc is just 14 days! This is exploitative!”
@Chimacoeche said: “Indeed a welcome development to pay such an amount of money prior to visa application.”
@Onsogbu wrote: “This is a welcome development”
@TEE9ine2 expressed: “You people should just be arranging your tables... All of you. Just pack your bags... WE ARE COMING!!!!!”
@Alpha_Yom commented: “Finally. I hope we keep the relationship going”
@Lexyzdoo wrote: “Dubai in the bag”
@DanbabaShehu4 said: “UAE will gain more on this agreement because you will now see how Nigerians will be trooping to Dubai even for birthdays parties. Another pressure on forex and it will jack it up again. Naira sorry oooo. Let's think deep. We import not export!!!”
@Abbaalibe_jnr expressed: “What concerns ordinary hungry Nigeria with travel to UAE. All we ask is for to have food on our table is that much to ask. Make everything the way you guys met and continue stealing e no concern us as far we can get food affordable.”
@oanasir commented: “Congratulations PBAT of Nigeria. Not many believe it was possible for this deal to be achieved so soon.”
@FrancisIhej wrote: “Document Verification Number, 640k; Valid for 14 days, wow.”
@_chiefagbabiaka expressed by writing: “This is great news for all. Thank you PBAT”
@Vicky_light2 said: “You negotiated on how to scam Nigerians and maintain your lifestyle in the name of verification. Get ready for revolution.”
@PureStanley1 commented: “This is not a news, let's wait for UAE to confirm it. But at the meantime, how many Nigerians can still afford to travel to UAE, even if they have “lifted the ban”?”
@donpanacio said: “Tinubu and his economic team will definitely get it right! The only problem is that he will still not get the praise and credit he deserves when things start moving in the right direction! They will figure it out! I believe in Mr President and his economic team!”
@bummiearo wrote: “This is good news. Hoping Nigerians will behave well.”