Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to hold a joint commission in the coming days to resolve issues surrounding visa denials for Nigerians seeking to travel to the UAE. 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, in Abuja.
The meeting comes amid growing concerns over the difficulties Nigerians face in obtaining UAE visas, particularly tourism visas. Both nations are now working to strengthen their diplomatic and economic ties while addressing these challenges.
The Visa Challenge
Nigerians have long experienced hurdles in securing UAE visas, despite the strong economic and cultural ties between the two countries. Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the significant contributions Nigerians make to the UAE economy, particularly in Dubai, which has become a top destination for Nigerian tourists, students, and businesspeople.
In 2015 alone, nearly a million Nigerians visited the UAE, spending between 100millionand150 million on visas and over $1 billion on shopping, school fees, tourism, and other activities. Despite this, the economic relationship remains largely one-sided, prompting calls for greater collaboration.
A Call for Clarity and Collaboration
Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized the need for clarity on the UAE’s visa policies, stating:
“There have been numerous concerns about the status of visas for the UAE. Even some top government officials are worried and raise these concerns. Is there a new visa policy for the UAE? You need to let Nigerians know. We need to know what to tell our citizenry.”
She also announced plans to host a joint commission in Nigeria, following the last one held in the UAE in 2022. This commission will address bilateral issues such as power, renewable energy, and the implementation of pending Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
UAE’s Response
Ambassador Alshamsi reassured Nigeria of the UAE’s commitment to resolving visa issues and strengthening bilateral relations. He revealed that since his appointment over a year ago, he has ensured zero visa rejections for government officials and private applicants.
“We have increased visa issuance through the agent. I have zero visa rejection since I came to Nigeria. Since I arrived a year and a half ago, I make sure that I issue visas. We have issued over 700 tourism visas from July 2024,” he said.
Alshamsi also expressed optimism about finalizing new agreements ahead of the UAE President’s planned visit to Nigeria in the second quarter of 2025.
A Step Forward
The upcoming joint commission represents a significant opportunity for both nations to address visa challenges, enhance economic partnerships, and promote trade and investment. As Nigeria and the UAE work to resolve these issues, the focus remains on fostering a mutually beneficial relationship that benefits citizens of both countries.