By Parrot Newspaper 
Nigeria, UAE Set for High-Level Talks to Resolve Visa Restrictions
By Parrot Newspaper
In a move that could ease travel hurdles for Nigerians, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to hold crucial discussions in the coming days to resolve visa procurement challenges. This decision was reached following 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, Abuja.
For months, Nigerians have faced difficulties obtaining UAE visas, particularly for tourism purposes. This has been a source of frustration for thousands of travelers, businesspeople, and students who see the UAE—especially Dubai—as a prime destination for tourism, commerce, and education.
A Strong But Unequal Partnership
During the meeting, Odumegwu-Ojukwu underscored Nigeria’s long-standing diplomatic and economic ties with the UAE. She pointed out that Nigeria has remained committed to fostering strong relations, with Nigerians contributing significantly to the UAE’s economy.
“Dubai has become a destination of choice for many Nigerians. Official records show that about 12,000 Nigerians reside in the UAE, including professionals, students, and unskilled workers. In 2015 alone, nearly a million Nigerians visited the UAE, spending between $100 million and $150 million on visas alone and over $1 billion on shopping and other expenditures,” the minister noted.
However, she stressed that the economic relationship between both nations appears lopsided, with Nigeria being the primary spender. “There is a need to explore new areas of collaboration that will enhance our economic interests,” she added.
Concerns Over Visa Restrictions
One of the key concerns raised was the uncertainty surrounding the UAE’s visa policies for Nigerians. Odumegwu-Ojukwu pressed for clarity, noting that many top Nigerian officials and private citizens have raised complaints.
“There have been numerous concerns about the status of UAE visas. Even some top government officials are worried. Nigerians need to know if there is a new visa policy. Our citizens have invested heavily in properties in the UAE, hosted conferences, and boosted tourism. We deserve clarity on this matter,” she emphasized.
To strengthen diplomatic engagements, the minister proposed hosting a Nigeria-UAE Joint Commission meeting, following the last session held in the UAE in 2022. She expressed optimism that the discussions would address outstanding agreements, particularly in areas such as power, renewable energy, and other bilateral interests.
UAE Pledges Cooperation
In response, Ambassador Alshamsi reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria. He congratulated Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her appointment and acknowledged Nigeria’s contributions to UAE’s economy and development.
He clarified that since assuming office in Abuja over a year and a half ago, he has prioritized issuing visas, particularly for government officials and private citizens through an appointed agent.
“We have increased visa issuance through our agent. Since July 2024, over 700 tourism visas have been issued. I have zero visa rejections since I came to Nigeria. Sometimes, we might disagree on certain issues, but nothing is personal—we are partners,” Alshamsi assured.
The envoy further disclosed that both nations had signed multiple agreements and were on the verge of finalizing another major one ahead of the UAE President’s expected visit to Nigeria in the second quarter of this year. He expressed confidence that an upcoming meeting would resolve the visa bottlenecks and strengthen trade and investment between both nations.
Beyond Visas: Strengthening Bilateral Relations
While visa access remains a pressing concern, the discussions also touched on broader Nigeria-UAE collaborations. The minister commended the UAE for its recent humanitarian support, including relief materials for flood victims and vaccines for chicken pox patients in Nigeria.
Nigeria, UAE Set for High-Level Talks to Resolve Visa Restrictions
As both nations gear up for high-level talks, Nigerians remain hopeful that the discussions will lead to concrete actions that restore seamless travel between both countries. For now, all eyes are on the diplomatic table, where the future of Nigeria-UAE relations hangs in the balance.