The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially announced the revival of visa services for Nigerian travelers, marking a significant turnaround after a two-year hiatus. The UAE had previously imposed a visa ban on Nigerians and had automatically rejected pending visa applications.
In a joint statement titled *‘Resumption of Visa Services for Nigerians Travelling to the UAE’*, issued by the governments of Nigeria and the UAE, it was revealed that the visa ban was lifted on March 4, 2024. This move is hailed as a milestone, symbolizing the fruitful outcome of extensive discussions between the two nations and reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening ties, fostering cultural exchanges, and promoting economic and social collaborations.
To streamline the visa application process, the UAE has introduced an enhanced document verification system. According to Saleem Saeed Al-Shamsi, the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, this updated procedure aims to ensure the integrity of the application process and expedite visa processing for Nigerian applicants. As of March 4, 2024, all Nigerian applicants for UAE visas are required to obtain a document verification number, which can be acquired through the dedicated online Document Verification Hub platform.
“We are dedicated to facilitating transparent and prompt visa applications for Nigerians,” stated Ambassador Al-Shamsi. “The introduction of the Document Verification Number is designed to streamline our application process and ensure timely processing for all applicants.”
Once applicants obtain the Document Verification Number, they can proceed with their visa applications through designated travel agents, following which the process will be completed at the Embassy of the UAE in Abuja or Lagos.
This announcement underscores the UAE’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its bilateral relations with Nigeria, aiming to contribute to the prosperity and well-being of both nations’ citizens.
The decision to lift the visa ban comes after a period of strained relations between the two countries, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and disagreements over travel protocols. However, under the leadership of President Tinubu, efforts were made to resolve the diplomatic standoff. President Tinubu emphasized the importance of viewing the issues between the two nations as a family matter, urging collaborative efforts to address core aviation and immigration issues.
“We are a family with the UAE. We only live in separate rooms, but we are in the same house,” President Tinubu remarked. “We should approach these issues as a family problem and resolve them amicably. Just like in every family, there might be disagreements, but we must work together to find common ground on core aviation and immigration matters.”
