UAE to resume visa issuance to Nigerians

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the federal government of Nigeria have reached a settlement of their diplomatic difference and UAE is to commence issuance of visa to Nigerians. UAE announced the restoration of visa services for Nigerians. The restoration of visa issuance was announced in a joint statement by the federal government of Nigeria and the UAE in a statement titled “Resumption of Visa Services for Nigerians Travelling to the UAE,” and dated March 4, 2024. The statement said the achievement followed the discussions between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.

The Statement disclosed that the commencement of visa issuance, which resumed on March 4, 2024, was 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. 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 https/documentverificationhub.com).

The UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Saleem Saeed Al-Shamsi, highlighted the importance of this updated procedure. 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.” TGM recalls the UAE had in 2022, banned about 20 countries including Nigeria from travelling to Dubai, leading to a diplomatic row between the two nations. President Tinubu in 2023, visited the country and engaged in diplomatic talks with the country’s leaders. President Tinubu told the ambassador that both nations should agree on core aviation and immigration issues: “We are a family with the UAE. We only live in separate rooms, but we are in the same house.”