Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to hold discussions to resolve visa restrictions affecting Nigerian travelers. The talks aim to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between both nations.
The decision followed a meeting between UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Alshamsi, and Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja.
Lingering Visa Challenges
Nigerians, especially tourists and business travelers, have had difficulties obtaining UAE visas despite long-standing commercial relationship between both countries. Mrs Ojukwu pointed out the importance of Dubai as a top destination for Nigerians, with nearly 12,000 Nigerians residing in the UAE.
She also revealed that in 2015 alone, almost one million Nigerians visited the UAE, spending over $1 billion on tourism, shopping, and other economic activities. However, she noted that economic relations remain one-sided and called for more investment opportunities for Nigerians.
“There have been numerous concerns about UAE visa policies, even among top government officials. Nigerians have heavily invested in real estate, tourism, and business activities in the UAE. We need clarity on this issue,” she said.
She also announced plans for a Nigeria-UAE Joint Commission meeting in Nigeria to address pending agreements and enhance economic cooperation.
UAE Assures Cooperation
Ambassador Alshamsi in responding, reassured the Nigerian minister that since assuming office in Abuja, he has facilitated visa approvals for government officials and private travelers.
“I have zero visa rejections since I arrived in Nigeria a year and a half ago. From July 2024 alone, we have issued over 700 tourism visas,” he stated.
He said that occasional disagreements between nations are normal but reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to strong bilateral relations.
“Sometimes, we may have disagreements, but there is nothing personal. We remain partners and will continue working together,” he said.
The UAE also pledged further discussions on trade and investment agreements ahead of the UAE President’s planned visit to Nigeria later this year.
Beyond visa matters, Mrs Ojukwu thanked the UAE for donating relief materials for Nigerian flood victims and vaccines for chickenpox patients.
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