The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lifted its 21-month visa ban on Nigerians, marking a significant development in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The decision, which came after “mutually beneficial negotiations,” was announced by Nigeria’s information minister, Mohammed Idris, on Monday.
As part of the updated controls and conditions, Nigerian travellers seeking UAE visas will now undergo digital verification.
Here are the key points:
- Digital Verification Process:
- Prospective Nigerian visitors to the UAE must submit documents verifying their identity and travel history.
- A unique verification number will be generated based on these documents, which will then be used for visa applications.
- An exception is made for applicants aged 13 years or younger.
- Background and Tensions:
- The UAE’s initial visa ban was rooted in several factors, including allegations of improper conduct and attempts to bypass visa regulations.
- The situation escalated when the Nigerian government reduced Emirates Airlines’ weekly flights to Nigeria from 21 to just one. This move was reportedly in response to the UAE’s refusal to allow Nigerian airliner Air Peace to operate three weekly flights to Dubai, approving only one.
- Diplomatic Efforts:
- In May 2023, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu engaged in discussions with Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to resolve the impasse.
- These efforts paved the way for the recent lifting of the visa ban.
- Resumption of Flights:
- Prior to the ban being lifted, Emirates Airlines announced plans to resume daily flights between Lagos and Dubai starting in October.
- The Lagos-Dubai route has historically been popular among Nigerian travellers.
- Notably, Emirates will now offer over 300 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity in the lower deck of its passenger aircraft serving Lagos.