The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the lifting of visa restrictions on Nigerian travellers, marking the end of a two-year diplomatic dispute.
In a joint statement, the UAE Embassy in Abuja and the Nigerian government expressed their commitment to strengthening ties, promoting cultural exchanges, and fostering economic and social collaboration.
As part of the new agreement, a verification process has been introduced for Nigerian visa applications. All Nigerian applicants are now required to obtain a Document Verification Number through the dedicated online Document Verification Hub platform.
This step aims to enhance the integrity of the application process and ensure efficient processing for applicants. UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Saleem Saeed Al-Shamsi, emphasized the importance of adhering to the guidelines and initiating visa applications promptly.
The introduction of the Document Verification Number is expected to streamline the application process and facilitate a smoother transition to the new system.
The diplomatic row between Nigeria and the UAE had led to Emirates Airline halting its flight operations to Nigeria due to trapped funds.
Although the exact amount was disputed, the Nigerian government took steps to address the issue by increasing foreign exchange allocation to the airline and releasing funds to settle outstanding ticket sales.
While Emirates Airlines has not yet resumed operations in Nigeria, the UAE Embassy has expressed ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with Nigeria.
It remains to be seen if the potential resumption of the airline’s operations was part of the discussions.
The lifting of the visa restriction is a positive development for Nigerian travellers, who can now look forward to easier access to the UAE.
Article updated 1 week ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
