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FG, UAE, to Address Visa Procurement Challenges for Nigerian
- Salem Alshamsi commended the progress made in the 50-year relationship between Nigeria and the UAE and acknowledged the issuance of visas to both government officials and private individuals over the past year and a half, handled by an appointed agent.
- Odumegwu-Ojukwu recognized the importance of resolving the visa procurement challenges, which have persisted despite the warm relations.
In response to the difficulties faced by Nigerians in obtaining UAE visas, particularly tourism visas, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced plans to resolve these issues in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Eko Hot Blog reports that ghe announcement was made by Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, following a meeting with UAE Ambassador Salem Alshamsi.
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Acknowledging the strong diplomatic ties and strategic partnerships between the two nations, Odumegwu-Ojukwu recognized the importance of resolving the visa procurement challenges, which have persisted despite the warm relations.
“Nigeria has remained committed to the relationship. The city of Dubai in the UAE has become a popular destination for many Nigerians.
“Officially, about 12,000 Nigerians live in the UAE, ranging from unskilled workers to professionals and students across various institutions,” she said.
She stated that in 2015, nearly a million Nigerians visited Dubai alone, spending between $100 million to $150 million on visas and over $1 billion on shopping, school fees, tourism, and other activities. She stressed the need for a more balanced economic relationship between the two countries.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also mentioned concerns regarding the current visa status for the UAE, noting that even top Nigerian government officials had raised the issue. She highlighted the upcoming joint commission between Nigeria and the UAE, following the one hosted by the UAE in 2022.
In addition to addressing visa challenges, the minister expressed gratitude for the UAE’s recent donation of relief materials to flood victims in Nigeria and vaccines for chickenpox patients, which has greatly supported Nigeria’s health institutions.
“There is a need to communicate the new visa policy, if any, to Nigerians.
“We want to reciprocate by hosting the joint commission in Nigeria, where we will address various bilateral issues, including power, renewable energy, and more,” she said.
Alshamsi extended his congratulations to Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her appointment as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
He commended the progress made in the 50-year relationship between Nigeria and the UAE and acknowledged the issuance of visas to both government officials and private individuals over the past year and a half, handled by an appointed agent.
Ambassador Alshamsi assured that the UAE is dedicated to addressing the visa challenges faced by Nigerians and emphasized the importance of fostering stronger economic partnerships between the two countries.
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“We have issued more than 700 tourism visas since July 2024, and I have had zero visa rejections since I assumed office,” Alshamsi stated.
He also promised to continue signing agreements to further strengthen bilateral ties, with a major agreement expected to be signed ahead of the Nigerian president’s visit to the UAE in the second quarter of 2025.
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