Nigeria and the UAE will soon meet to address visa procurement challenges for Nigerians. Ambassador Salem Saeed Alshamsi visited Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu to discuss the importance of diplomatic relations. Significant numbers of Nigerians travel to the UAE, contributing economically, yet face visa difficulties. A joint commission is planned to tackle outstanding bilateral issues and enhance cooperation.
In the coming days, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will convene to discuss challenges related to visa procurement for Nigerians aspiring to travel to the UAE. This decision arose during a courtesy visit by UAE Ambassador Salem Saeed Alshamsi to Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja.
Nigerians currently encounter significant obstacles in securing UAE visas, particularly for tourism purposes. Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged the strong diplomatic ties and strategic partnerships shared between Nigeria and the UAE, affirming that Nigeria has consistently maintained its commitment to this relationship.
The Minister noted that Dubai has emerged as a preferred destination for many Nigerians. Approximately 12,000 Nigerians reside in the UAE across various professions, ranging from unskilled to highly skilled individuals, including students. In 2015 alone, nearly one million Nigerians traveled to the UAE, particularly Dubai, spending between $100 million and $150 million just on visas, alongside an estimate of over $1 billion on shopping and other related economic activities.
She further emphasized the need to enhance economic relations, which appear to be largely one-sided. Odumegwu-Ojukwu indicated that heightened collaboration is essential to benefit both nations. Furthermore, she expressed concerns regarding the status of UAE visas, prompting a request for clarity on any potential new visa policies.
To address ongoing bilateral issues such as energy cooperation, a joint commission will be held in Nigeria, following a similar event hosted by the UAE in 2022. This step aims to manage various Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) that remain unaddressed, potentially leading to significant accomplishments.
Additionally, Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed gratitude to the UAE for its generous donations to flood victims in Nigeria, including relief materials and medical supplies, enhancing local health institutions.
Ambassador Alshamsi, on his part, congratulated the minister on her recent appointment and commended the progress made in Nigeria-UAE relations over the past fifty years. He assured that he has facilitated the issuance of visas during his tenure, indicating that an appointed agent manages visa applications for private individuals.
Ambassador Alshamsi committed to addressing the complications faced by Nigerian visa applicants and emphasized the importance of optimizing existing partnerships through the signed MOUs. He stated, “I have zero visa rejection since I came to Nigeria. Since I arrived a year and half ago, I make sure that I issue visas.
He reflected on the various agreements established between the two nations, expressing a desire to further enhance collaboration and sign additional agreements before a forthcoming presidential visit from the UAE in the second quarter of this year. A meeting is expected to occur to discuss and resolve existing visa-related issues between the two nations.
In conclusion, the upcoming meeting between Nigeria and the UAE is a significant step towards resolving visa procurement issues that have affected Nigerians seeking to travel to the UAE. The reaffirmation of diplomatic relations, the commitment to addressing these challenges, and the potential for further economic collaboration exemplify the importance of this partnership for both nations. With ongoing discussions, the two countries aim to enhance mutual economic interests and streamline visa processes for travelers.
Original Source: dailypost.ng
