The ongoing visa challenges between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have sparked diplomatic discussions that could lead to a breakthrough. In the coming days, both nations will engage in high-level talks to address the concerns that have caused frustration for Nigerian travelers, particularly tourists and business professionals, seeking to enter the UAE.
This pivotal development comes after a meeting between the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Alshamsi, and Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, held at the Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja.
The issue of visa difficulties has been a pressing matter for Nigerians who often turn to the UAE, particularly Dubai, as a hub for business, tourism, and education. Despite the UAE being a significant destination for Nigerian travelers, approximately 12,000 Nigerians reside in the UAE and many more visit each year, the ongoing visa restrictions have raised concerns both within Nigeria’s government and among its citizens.
Diplomatic Tensions and Trade Imbalance
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in the recent meeting, highlighted the importance of the relationship between Nigeria and the UAE, noting the strong diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. However, she also pointed out that trade relations remain lopsided, with Nigeria contributing significantly to the UAE’s economy, especially through tourism, but receiving limited trade benefits in return. She stressed the need for clarity on new visa policies, citing that Nigerians have made substantial investments in the UAE, ranging from property to tourism and business ventures.
In her statement, the Minister expressed the frustration of top government officials, seeking to understand whether there had been any changes in the UAE’s visa policy for Nigerians. “There have been numerous concerns about the visa situation. Even top government officials have expressed worries. Is there a new visa policy for Nigerians? We need to know what to tell our citizens,” she said. Her plea underscores the significance of the relationship and the need for clear communication.
The UAE’s Commitment to Resolving the Crisis
In response, Ambassador Alshamsi reassured the Nigerian government that the UAE was committed to resolving the visa challenges. While acknowledging that there had been some friction, Alshamsi emphasized that the issues were not personal, and both countries would work together as partners to find solutions. He revealed that since the beginning of July 2024, the UAE had issued over 700 tourism visas, showing a commitment to facilitating easier travel for Nigerians.
Ambassador Alshamsi further added that there had been positive steps in increasing visa issuance through appointed agents and that new agreements were on the horizon to optimize the visa process. “We have signed three or four agreements and will soon sign another major one before our President’s visit to Nigeria in the second quarter of this year,” he noted, reinforcing the UAE’s intentions to resolve the visa situation.
A Joint Commission to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
In addition to addressing the visa crisis, both nations are set to discuss a broad range of issues in an upcoming Joint Commission meeting, to be hosted by Nigeria. This meeting will follow the last session held in the UAE in 2022 and will focus on various areas of cooperation, including power, renewable energy, and outstanding Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) that need finalizing. The UAE’s recent humanitarian contributions, including flood relief materials and chickenpox vaccines for Nigeria, were also acknowledged as gestures of goodwill that could pave the way for further collaboration.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for Nigeria-UAE Relations
The high-level discussions between Nigeria and the UAE signal a promising future for both nations, as they seek to resolve the long-standing visa issues and strengthen their bilateral relationship. With both governments committed to addressing concerns and optimizing their cooperation, the outcomes of these talks are expected to lead to smoother travel arrangements and enhanced economic ties. As Nigeria and the UAE continue to foster mutual growth, the resolution of the visa crisis will serve as a significant milestone in their diplomatic journey.
