Recently, there has been a discrepancy regarding the status of the year-long visa ban on Nigerian travelers to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While the Nigerian government claimed that the ban had been lifted, a UAE official refuted this claim in an interview with CNN.
The visa ban, which affected Nigeria and 19 other African nations, was imposed by the UAE last October without detailed explanations. It halted the issuance of visas to Nigerian citizens, including those seeking 30-day tourist visas, which had previously been relatively easy to obtain.
In an effort to resolve this diplomatic issue, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu paid a visit to the UAE on September 11, where he held discussions with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The visit was seen as a significant step towards lifting the visa ban and resuming flights between the two countries.
A statement from Ajuri Ngelali, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, indicated that the meeting had paved the way for the ban’s lifting and the immediate resumption of flights. The statement also mentioned a framework for substantial UAE investments in Nigeria’s economy, spanning various sectors like defense and agriculture.
REVEALED: How Nigerians In Dubai, Others Caused UAE Visa Sanctions
However, the UAE government’s statement following the meeting mentioned discussions on “further bilateral collaboration” and “reinforcing ties” but did not confirm the lifting of the visa ban or the resumption of flights.
Ajuri later clarified that Nigerians should not expect immediate flights to the UAE, as officials from both countries required additional time to finalize the agreement details. This statement contradicted his previous announcement.
Before the pandemic and the ban, Nigerians were among the largest foreign real estate investors in Dubai, with investments valued at nearly $2 billion. Emirates Airlines also operated multiple daily flights between Nigeria and Dubai, a route that was vital for business and leisure travelers.
The conflicting reports have left many Nigerians eager to know the true status of the visa ban and when they can expect to resume traveling to the UAE. As the situation unfolds, clarity is awaited on this matter which has significant implications for both nations.
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