BREAKING: UAE finally lifts visa ban on Nigerians after two years

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the resumption of visa services for Nigerian citizens wishing to visit the country. This comes two years after the UAE imposed a visa ban on Nigerians and automatically rejected pending visa applications.

A joint announcement by the governments of Nigeria and the UAE, entitled “Resumption of Visa Services for Nigerians Travelling to the UAE,” stated that the visa ban was lifted on March 4, 2024.

The statement highlighted the commencement of visa issuance as a “milestone, reflecting the successful outcome of in-depth talks between the two nations and underscoring our shared commitment to strengthening ties, enhancing cultural exchanges, and fostering opportunities for economic and social collaborations.”

To ensure a seamless and efficient visa application experience, the UAE has introduced an enhanced document verification process. The UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Saleem Saeed Al-Shamsi, emphasized the importance of this updated procedure.

Starting from March 4, 2024, all Nigerian applicants for UAE visas are required to first obtain a document verification number. This essential step, according to the UAE, is to be completed by visiting the dedicated online Document Verification Hub platform at https://documentverificationhub.com.

Al-Shamsi stated, “We are committed to facilitating straightforward and expedited visa applications for Nigerians. The introduction of the Document Verification Number is designed to enhance the integrity of our application process and ensure prompt processing for all applicants.”

After obtaining the Document Verification Number, applicants can proceed with their visa applications through designated travel agents, after which the process will be completed at the Embassy of the UAE in Abuja or Lagos.

The announcement, the UAE said, signifies “our ongoing efforts to enhance the strong ties between the UAE and Nigeria, contributing to the prosperity and well-being of our people.”

Recall that in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the behavior of some nationals of other countries in 2022, the UAE banned nationals of some 20 African countries, including Nigeria, from entering its capital city, Dubai.

This was followed by a spat between Nigeria and the UAE over the procedure for handling travelers entering Dubai during the pandemic, which Nigeria frowned upon.

The decision, among others, forced Emirates to exit Nigeria, including claims of millions of dollars belonging to the country trapped in Nigeria.

Upon assuming office, President Tinubu directed the resolution of a diplomatic spat with the UAE over the suspension of Nigerian visas in retaliation for Lagos’s retention of funds owed to the Emirates.

Tinubu told the ambassador that both nations should agree on core aviation and immigration issues.

He said: “We are a family with the UAE. We only live in separate rooms, but we are in the same house.

“We should look at the issues as a family problem and resolve it amicably. As you know, in every family, there are peculiarities. You can have an erring son or daughter, but we must work together. We need to agree on core aviation and immigration issues.”