Nigeria and UAE Reach Agreement to Resolve Visa Challenges, See Details
In a significant diplomatic development, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to engage in discussions aimed at addressing lingering visa challenges and problems faced by Nigerians seeking entry into the Gulf nation. This move follows a high-profile meeting between UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Alshamsi, and Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
A History of Visa Restrictions
Nigerians have long faced hurdles in obtaining UAE visas, particularly for tourism and business purposes. The situation worsened in 2022 when the UAE imposed a visa ban on Nigerian travelers. The ban was linked to a series of diplomatic disagreements, including financial disputes. One of the key triggers was the inability of Nigeria’s Central Bank to remit approximately $85 million in airline revenues to UAE carriers, leading to Dubai’s Emirates Airline suspending flights to Nigeria.
However, after years of negotiations, progress was made in July 2024, when the Nigerian government announced that the UAE had lifted the visa restrictions. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed that Nigerian passport holders could now travel to the UAE without significant restrictions. Despite this, concerns remained about the consistency and transparency of the visa issuance process, prompting further diplomatic engagements.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
During the recent meeting, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its diplomatic and economic ties with the UAE. She emphasized the importance of clear communication regarding the new visa policies, particularly for Nigerians who have made significant investments in the UAE.
Dubai remains a major attraction for Nigerian travelers, with approximately 12,000 Nigerians residing in the UAE. Many of them work across various sectors, from hospitality and construction to professional services. In 2015 alone, nearly a million Nigerians visited the UAE, spending over $1 billion on tourism, shopping, and business-related activities.
Despite this strong economic relationship, the minister noted that the trade and investment dynamics between both countries seemed one-sided, favoring the UAE. She called for a more balanced partnership that would also benefit Nigeria’s economy.
Clarifying Visa Policies
One of the key concerns raised during the discussions was the ambiguity surrounding the current UAE visa policies. Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that even top Nigerian government officials had expressed worries about the status of visas.
“We need to provide Nigerians with clear information on whether any new visa policies have been introduced. Many Nigerians have heavily invested in properties, tourism, and business activities in the UAE, so they deserve clarity,” she said.
In response, Ambassador Alshamsi assured the Nigerian government of the UAE’s commitment to resolving visa-related issues. He revealed that since assuming office in Nigeria over a year ago, his administration had significantly increased visa issuance to Nigerian travelers. He noted that over 700 tourism visas had been processed since July 2024, adding that there had been zero visa rejections during his tenure.
Alshamsi acknowledged that while occasional disagreements between nations were inevitable, the UAE viewed Nigeria as a strategic partner and remained dedicated to maintaining a positive relationship.
Upcoming Joint Commission Meeting
Looking ahead, Nigeria and the UAE are set to convene a joint commission meeting to address various aspects of their bilateral relations. The UAE previously hosted a similar meeting in 2022, and Nigeria is now preparing to reciprocate.
The agenda will cover critical sectors such as renewable energy, power infrastructure, and other areas of economic cooperation. Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed optimism that this platform would help finalize outstanding agreements and facilitate deeper collaboration between the two nations.
“We believe this joint commission will help us advance several agreements that have been left unimplemented. There’s a lot we can achieve together,” she stated.
Humanitarian Support and Future Agreements
The meeting also highlighted UAE’s recent humanitarian assistance to Nigeria, including the donation of relief materials for flood victims and vaccines for chickenpox patients.
Ambassador Alshamsi further disclosed that both nations had already signed multiple agreements, with additional deals expected to be concluded before the Nigerian President’s official visit to the UAE in the second quarter of the year.
“We have signed three or four agreements, and more are in the pipeline. It is crucial that we finalize these agreements before our President’s visit to Nigeria,” he remarked.
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