Nigeria and UAE to Address Visa Challenges Amid Strengthened Bilateral Ties
In a significant move to resolve ongoing visa challenges faced by Nigerians traveling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), both nations have agreed to hold discussions in the coming days. This 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.
Nigerians have long faced difficulties in obtaining UAE visas, particularly for tourism purposes, despite the Gulf country being a popular destination for Nigerian travelers. Dubai, in particular, has become a favorite for leisure, shopping, and business trips. Official figures reveal that in 2015 alone, nearly one million Nigerians visited the UAE, spending between \$100 million and \$150 million on visas and over \$1 billion on shopping and other activities.
During the meeting, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the
importance of addressing these visa challenges, noting that the UAE is
home to approximately 12,000 Nigerians,
including professionals, students, and unskilled workers. She emphasized
the need for balanced economic relations between the two countries,
stating, “The economic relations between both countries are
predominantly one-sided, hence there is a need to explore areas of
collaboration that would enhance our economic interests”.
The minister also raised concerns about the status of UAE visa
policies, which have caused frustration among Nigerian travelers. She
expressed optimism that the upcoming joint commission meeting, following
the last one hosted by the UAE in 2022, would address unresolved
Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and foster stronger bilateral ties.
In response, Ambassador Alshamsi reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to resolving the visa issues and strengthening relations with Nigeria. He noted that since his arrival in Nigeria a year and a half ago, there has been a significant increase in visa issuance, with over 700 tourism visas issued since July 2024. He assured that the UAE has maintained a “zero visa rejection” policy during his tenure and emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “We are partners. Sometimes, we might disagree on some issues, but there is nothing personal. We could still resolve and agree”
Ambassador Alshamsi also revealed plans to sign additional agreements to enhance economic partnerships and promote trade and investment between the two nations. He expressed hope that these agreements would be finalized before the UAE President’s scheduled visit to Nigeria in the second quarter of 2025.
The visa challenges have not only affected individual travelers but also impacted trade and tourism between the two countries. For African travel agents, this development is a critical step toward easing travel restrictions and facilitating smoother travel experiences for clients. The resolution of these issues could also boost tourism and economic activities, benefiting both nations.
As Nigeria and the UAE prepare for their upcoming discussions, the focus remains on fostering mutual understanding and addressing the concerns of Nigerian travelers. The commitment from both sides to strengthen their 50-year relationship signals a promising future for enhanced cooperation and improved travel experiences.
Travel professionals and stakeholders are encouraged to stay updated on the outcomes of these discussions, as they are likely to have a significant impact on travel arrangements and opportunities for Nigerians visiting the UAE.
