In an effort to address the ongoing difficulties faced by Nigerians traveling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the governments of Nigeria and the UAE are scheduled to meet in the coming days.
This decision was made during a courtesy visit by the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Alshamsi, to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in her office at the Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja.
In recent years, Nigerians have encountered significant challenges in obtaining visas for the UAE. The UAE government introduced stricter visa requirements, making it difficult for Nigerians to meet the necessary criteria. The situation was further complicated by the suspension of visa issuance to Nigerians by the UAE government in 2022.
These difficulties have greatly impacted Nigerians. Many who had planned to travel to the UAE for business, education, or tourism were unable to do so. The situation also affected those already living and working in the UAE, as they faced challenges renewing their visas or bringing their families to join them.
Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized the importance of establishing a more balanced economic relationship between the two countries.
“There is a need to communicate any new visa policies to Nigerians. We want to reciprocate by hosting a joint commission in Nigeria to discuss various bilateral issues, including power, renewable energy, and more,” she stated.
Mr. Alshamsi congratulated Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her appointment and praised the progress made in the 50-year relationship between Nigeria and the UAE.
He assured that the UAE is committed to resolving the visa challenges faced by Nigerians and emphasized that both countries would collaborate to strengthen economic partnerships.
“We have issued over 700 tourism visas since July 2024, and I have had zero visa rejections since I took office,” Alshamsi noted.
He also promised to continue signing agreements to further enhance bilateral ties, with a major agreement anticipated ahead of the Nigerian President's visit to the UAE in the second quarter of 2025.
A successful dialogue will lead to improved relations between Nigeria and the UAE.
Page Manager
