Excitement as UAE lifts visa ban on Nigerians

The Federal Government has signed an agreement with the government of the United Arab Emirates to resume visa issuance to Nigerians who wish to travel to the Middle Eastern country.

The development sparked excitement among Nigerians on Monday.

“I can tell you that the agreement has been reached and effective from today, Nigerian passport holders intending to travel to the UAE are able to do so,” the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, told State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Monday.

Idris explained, “You are aware that Nigeria has been discussing with the United Arab Emirates on the issue of visas for Nigerian passport holders going to the United Arab Emirates.

“Today, an agreement has been reached on that, and effective from today 15th July, Nigerian passport holders are able to obtain visas to go to the United Arab Emirates.

“Details of that will be provided to you later today when we put out a statement.”

Reacting to the development on social media, Reign Aiyowieren wrote: “That’s a great development, I have no doubt that PBAT will definitely take us to where we are expecting to be or precisely close the place.”

 Also, Omo Odekunle @MofoluwasoOjo wrote: This is good news.

Angus Okorie said, “Thanks Tinubu. I know you can lead just that people that will use your name to dupe Nija plenty.”

Akr Ife Tuase, commenting, wrote: “When jagaban dey work, some are sleeping, dey will soon ask how it make it happen, dey never seen him coming, God bless Nigeria and Mr President.”

 James JP Ben wrote: “Best president Nigeria will ever have,, congratulations baba,, good and responsible Nigerian are solidly behind you.”

Olumide Famakinwa wrote: “God bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The UAE had imposed a visa ban on Nigeria about two years ago due to various diplomatic disputes.

Additionally, 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.

In June, following several meetings with the UAE government, the Federal Government assured Nigerians that the visa ban would soon be lifted. In the same month, the Nigerian government announced that it had paid 98 per cent of $850m.

On Monday, the government said the issues had been resolved.

It 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: documentverificationhub.ae for any additional information.”