The Federal Government has initiated discussions with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to address challenges Nigerians face in obtaining UAE visas, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this development after meeting with the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Salem Alshamsi.
She acknowledged that despite the strong diplomatic ties and economic collaborations between both countries, many Nigerians still struggle to secure visas, particularly for tourism.
“Nigeria values its relationship with the UAE. Dubai has become a popular destination for Nigerians, and officially, about 12,000 Nigerians live and work in the UAE, ranging from professionals to students and unskilled workers,” she stated.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu recalled that in 2015 alone, nearly a million Nigerians visited the UAE, spending between $100 million and $150 million on visas, and over $1 billion on education, shopping, and tourism.
She emphasized the need for a fairer economic exchange between both nations.
She also highlighted concerns regarding visa restrictions, which have affected not only ordinary travelers but also high-ranking government officials.
Additionally, she pointed out that a joint commission meeting between Nigeria and the UAE is overdue, with the last one held in 2022.
The minister expressed gratitude to the UAE for its recent humanitarian contributions, including relief materials for flood victims and chickenpox vaccines for Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“There should be clear communication on any new visa policies for Nigerians. We also look forward to hosting the next joint commission meeting in Nigeria to discuss key areas such as power and renewable energy,” she added.
Responding, Ambassador Alshamsi congratulated Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her appointment and praised the progress made in the 50-year diplomatic relationship between both nations.
He noted that visas for both government officials and private individuals have been issued over the past 18 months through an appointed agent.
He assured that the UAE remains committed to resolving visa-related issues and deepening economic ties with Nigeria.
“We have issued over 700 tourism visas since July 2024, and since I took office, I have not recorded any visa rejections,” Alshamsi said.
He also confirmed that discussions are ongoing to formalize new agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, with a key agreement expected to be signed ahead of the Nigerian president’s visit to the UAE in the second quarter of 2025.
(Prompt news)