The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced efforts to resolve visa issues for Nigerians traveling to the UAE. Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted challenges faced despite strong diplomatic relations, noting significant Nigerian presence in the UAE. UAE Ambassador Alshamsi pledged cooperation in addressing these visa concerns and enhancing bilateral ties.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria has stated that efforts are underway to address visa procurement issues for Nigerians traveling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, following a meeting with the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Salem Alshamsi.
The minister acknowledged the challenges Nigerians have encountered in securing UAE visas, particularly for tourism, despite the positive diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the UAE. She indicated that the UAE has become a favored destination for many Nigerians, with around 12,000 Nigerians officially residing there, encompassing a diverse group from unskilled workers to professionals and students.
In 2015, approximately one million Nigerians visited the UAE, notably Dubai, with expenditures on visas alone between $100 million and $150 million and over $1 billion allotted for shopping, schooling, tourism, and other activities. Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized the importance of establishing a more balanced economic relationship between the two nations.
Concerns regarding current visa statuses were highlighted, including those raised by high-ranking Nigerian officials. The minister noted that a joint commission is anticipated to be hosted in Nigeria, following its previous meeting in the UAE in 2022. She also expressed gratitude towards the UAE for its relief contributions to flood victims in Nigeria and support for health institutions.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu called for transparent communication regarding any new visa policies for Nigerians and expressed eagerness to host the upcoming joint commission to discuss various bilateral matters including energy and immigration issues.
Ambassador Alshamsi commended the progress of the Nigeria-UAE relations over the past 50 years and recognized that both governmental and private visa applications had been processed successfully over the last year and a half. He assured that UAE authorities are dedicated to working collaboratively to overcome the visa challenges faced by Nigerians, having issued more than 700 tourism visas since July 2024 with no rejections during his tenure.
In conclusion, the Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is actively working with the UAE to resolve visa procurement challenges faced by Nigerians. Emphasizing the importance of their bilateral relationship, both nations seek to enhance their economic ties and address ongoing visa issues. The upcoming joint commission meeting in Nigeria signifies a commitment to facilitate further cooperation in various sectors.
Original Source: nannews.ng
