THE United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly yet to open its visa application portals for Nigerians contrary to information being circulated in the public domain.
Recall that the Federal Government had on Monday announced that it has reached an agreement with the UAE to lift visa ban on Nigerians visiting the UAE.
There was excitement following the announcement with some Nigerians saying it was a good win for the federal government.
However, hours later, information filtered in that the UAE authorities had introduced a N640,000 DVN fee apart from the main visa fees.
In addition, the visa applicant is also expected to have a minimum balance of $10,000 according to that website which sources said was fake.
This development was condemned by air travellers who labelled the requirements as a “constructive ban,”
However, inquiries by TheCable to the UAE’s Department of Economy and Tourism revealed that the DV hub website is not affiliated with the UAE government.
The department noted that document verification inquiries should be directed to Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
The GDRFAD meanwhile revealed that the visa application process requires a personal photo and a passport with at least six months validity. A tourist visa costs approximately 200-300 dirhams (N60,000 – 90,000), depending on the length of stay.
Applicants also need a travel ticket and valid medical insurance for the UAE.
When asked about the $10,000 bank balance requirement, GDRFAD responded, “We are not aware of such requirements. Make your visa applications through the GDRFAD.”
The spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Eche Abu-Obe, assured that further clarification on the matter would be sought from the ministry’s office in the Middle East.
It would be recalled that the UAE had imposed a visa ban on Nigeria barely two years ago due to various diplomatic disputes.
Additionally, Dubai’s Emirates Airline halted flights to Nigeria because the Central Bank of Nigeria couldn’t remit an estimated $85 million in revenue to the UAE.
Source: TheCable
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