Nigeria and the UAE are set to address visa procurement issues for Nigerians traveling to the UAE. The discussions arise from a meeting between UAE Ambassador Salem Alshamsi and Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, highlighting the importance of their diplomatic relationship. Economic collaboration and clarifying visa policies are key points as both nations prepare for a joint commission meeting in Nigeria.
Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates are preparing for discussions aimed at addressing the ongoing difficulties faced by Nigerians in obtaining visas to travel to the UAE. This initiative follows a courtesy visit from UAE Ambassador Salem Alshamsi to Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the resilient diplomatic ties and strategic partnerships that exist between both nations, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to fostering this long-standing relationship. She pointed out the growing popularity of Dubai as a travel destination for Nigerians, estimating that around 12,000 Nigerians currently reside in the UAE, encompassing a mix of unskilled workers, professionals, and students.
The minister drew attention to the economic interactions between Nigeria and the UAE, noting a significant imbalance. In 2015, nearly one million Nigerians visited the UAE, collectively spending between $100 million to $150 million on visas and over $1 billion on shopping and tourism-related activities. She urged for enhanced cooperation that would effectively promote Nigeria’s economic interests.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also raised concerns voiced by Nigerians regarding the status of UAE visa regulations, questioning whether new policies had been established. She indicated that clarity on these changes is crucial for informing citizens and ensuring their investments and interests in the UAE are taken into consideration.
A collaborative joint commission is set to convene in Nigeria soon, building upon a recent meeting hosted by the UAE in 2022. This platform aims to address key bilateral topics, including renewable energy and other mutual interests, with hopes of finalizing various memoranda of understanding.
Expressing gratitude, the minister acknowledged the UAE’s recent contributions to Nigeria, such as donations of relief materials for flood victims and medical support for chickenpox patients. Ambassador Alshamsi commended the progress made in Nigeria-UAE relations and reiterated his dedication to resolving the visa challenges experienced by Nigerians, having issued more than 700 tourism visas since his arrival in Nigeria.
Ambassador Alshamsi confirmed the successful issuance of numerous visas and expressed his desire to continue improving the visa process while underscoring the importance of cooperation ahead of the Nigerian President’s upcoming visit to the UAE in the second quarter of the year.
In summary, ongoing negotiations between Nigeria and the UAE aim to resolve visa issues troubling Nigerians seeking entry into the UAE. With a commitment to enhancing diplomatic ties and economic relations, both countries are poised to collaborate on various bilateral agreements and clarify visa status concerns. The upcoming joint commission in Nigeria signifies a willingness to deepen cooperation and explore shared economic opportunities.
Original Source: punchng.com
