In a bid to address the ongoing challenges faced by Nigerians in obtaining visas to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), both nations have agreed to hold high-level discussions in the coming days.
The decision was reached during a courtesy visit by the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Alshamsi, to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong diplomatic and economic ties with the UAE, highlighting the significant role Dubai plays as a preferred destination for Nigerians. Official figures indicate that approximately 12,000 Nigerians reside in the UAE, engaging in various professions and academic pursuits. Additionally, nearly one million Nigerians visited the country in 2015 alone, spending over $1 billion on shopping, tourism, education, and other economic activities.
Acknowledging the challenges surrounding visa procurement, the minister called for clarity on any new UAE visa policies and emphasized the need for improved collaboration to protect Nigeria’s economic interests. She also proposed hosting a joint commission meeting in Nigeria, following the last session held in the UAE in 2022.
“We must explore more areas of economic cooperation, including power and renewable energy, to ensure mutually beneficial relations,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated. She further expressed appreciation for the UAE’s recent donation of relief materials to flood victims and medical supplies for Nigeria’s health sector.
In response, Ambassador Alshamsi reaffirmed his commitment to resolving visa-related concerns and enhancing trade partnerships between both nations. He disclosed that since assuming office over a year ago, he has facilitated visa issuance for government officials and private applicants through an appointed agent.
“We have issued over 700 tourism visas since July 2024 and have recorded zero visa rejections under my tenure,” he said. “While differences may arise, our focus remains on strengthening our partnership. Several agreements have been signed, and we are set to finalize more ahead of our President’s visit to Nigeria in the second quarter of the year.”
Both parties expressed optimism that the forthcoming discussions will yield solutions to the visa concerns while paving the way for deeper economic cooperation between Nigeria and the UAE.
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