After the limitations were lifted, several Nigerians responded negatively to the requirements for obtaining a visa to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Recall that on Monday, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, disclosed that the Federal Government and the authorities in the United Arab Emirates had achieved a consensus that would remove the travel restrictions placed on Nigerians effective immediately.
The minister announced that Nigerian passport holders can now travel to the UAE without any restrictions.
He also directed Nigerians interested in learning more about the amended UAE visa conditions at documentverificationhub.ae.
A new criteria for obtaining a visa is obtaining a Document Verification Number (DVN).
According to the DV hub website, this specialised service is intended to authenticate and verify required papers for UAE visa applications.
The DVN requires a non-refundable fee of ₦640,000 (excluding VAT) each application. This amount does not include the visa charge, which must be paid with a credit card at the UAE visa centre in Abuja.
Furthermore, Nigerians must show verification of a six-month bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000. Applicants are also required to submit round-trip aeroplane tickets and evidence of hotel reservation Nigerians have subsequently reacted to the conditions, with many shocked by the cost of acquiring a UAE visa.
What they’re saying
@chimacoeche commented, “If it wasn’t for corruption, why would Nigerians travel to Dubai when they have the same mineral resources?”
Bottom Line
The need for a significant bank balance, in particular, excludes a large portion of the population, making travel to the UAE more accessible only to the wealthy(which is unfair).
This could be seen as a move by the UAE to control the influx of travelers and ensure that those who do travel have the financial means to support themselves.
