The Nigerian government has begun discussions with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to ease visa restrictions for Nigerians, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, revealed this after meeting with the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Alshamsi.
She acknowledged that while Nigeria and the UAE share strong diplomatic and economic ties, many Nigerians continue to face difficulties in obtaining visas, particularly for tourism.
“Nigeria values its partnership with the UAE. Dubai remains a preferred destination for Nigerians, with an estimated 12,000 Nigerians living and working in the UAE, including professionals, students, and unskilled workers,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated.
She recalled that in 2015 alone, nearly a million Nigerians visited the UAE, spending between $100 million and $150 million on visa applications, and over $1 billion on education, shopping, and tourism.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed the importance of a more balanced economic relationship between the two nations. She also expressed concerns over visa restrictions, which have affected not only ordinary travelers but also senior government officials.
Additionally, she noted that the last joint commission meeting between Nigeria and the UAE was held in 2022, making another meeting long overdue.
The minister also expressed appreciation for the UAE’s recent humanitarian aid to Nigeria, which included relief materials for flood victims and chickenpox vaccines for the healthcare sector.
She called for greater transparency in visa policies and proposed that Nigeria host the next joint commission meeting to discuss key areas such as energy and renewable power.
In response, Ambassador Alshamsi congratulated Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her appointment and praised the progress made in the 50-year diplomatic relationship between both countries.
He stated that visas for both government officials and private individuals have been issued through an appointed agent over the past 18 months.
According to him, the UAE remains committed to resolving visa-related challenges and strengthening economic cooperation with Nigeria.
“We have issued over 700 tourist visas since July 2024, and since assuming office, I have not recorded any visa rejections,” Alshamsi assured.
He further confirmed that ongoing discussions aim to finalize new agreements to enhance bilateral relations, with a major agreement expected to be signed before the Nigerian president’s visit to the UAE in the second quarter of 2025.
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