Breakthrough in Diplomatic Talks: Nigeria, UAE Set To Resolve Visa Issues

Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to engage in high-level discussions in the coming days to address the ongoing visa challenges affecting Nigerians.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The decision was reached during a meeting between UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Alshamsi, and Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja. The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Nigerians, particularly tourists and business travelers, have faced persistent visa hurdles, prompting concerns at both diplomatic and governmental levels.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and the UAE but pointed out that trade relations remain largely one-sided.

“Dubai has become a preferred destination for many Nigerians. Official records show that around 12,000 Nigerians reside in the UAE, including professionals, students, and unskilled workers. In 2015 alone, nearly a million Nigerians visited the UAE, spending between $100 million and $150 million on visas and over $1 billion on shopping and other economic activities,” she stated.

She also called for clarity regarding any new visa policies affecting Nigerians, adding, “There have been widespread concerns about the visa situation. Even top government officials have raised worries. Is there a new visa policy for Nigerians? We need to provide clear information to our citizens, as many Nigerians have made significant investments in property, tourism, and business in the UAE.”

Nigeria to Host Joint Commission Meeting

The minister further announced Nigeria’s plans to host another joint commission meeting, following the last session held in the UAE in 2022.

“We want to reciprocate by hosting the joint commission in Nigeria. There are several bilateral issues, including power and renewable energy, that require discussion. Additionally, we need to finalize outstanding Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs),” she stated.

She also expressed appreciation to the UAE for its recent donation of relief materials for flood victims and chickenpox vaccines for patients in Nigeria.

UAE Pledges to Resolve Visa Issues

In response, Ambassador Alshamsi reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to resolving visa-related challenges and strengthening bilateral ties with Nigeria.