Nigeria and the UAE plan to meet to address visa procurement issues, following discussions between Ambassador Salem Saeed Alshamsi and Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. Concerns regarding visa policies for Nigerians were raised, along with plans for a joint commission to improve bilateral relations and cooperation.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Nigeria are set to convene in the near future to address visa procurement challenges faced by Nigerians seeking entry into the UAE. This arrangement follows a courtesy visit by UAE Ambassador Salem Saeed Alshamsi to Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at her office in Abuja.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu recognized the strong diplomatic relations between the two nations, highlighting that Nigeria’s rich history of partnership with the UAE continues to flourish. As the UAE has become a preferred destination for many Nigerians, over 12,000 Nigerians currently reside there, involving a mix of students and professionals.
In 2015, nearly one million Nigerians visited the UAE, primarily Dubai, incurring significant expenditures. They spent between $100 million and $150 million solely on visas, with over $1 billion spent on shopping and related activities. The minister expressed the need for enhanced economic collaboration to balance the current economic relations.
Major concerns regarding the visa status for Nigerians were raised by the minister, noting the apprehension from even high-ranking government officials on potential changes to the UAE visa policy. Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the necessity for transparency regarding visa policies in order to keep citizens informed, as many Nigerians have made substantial investments in UAE real estate and tourism.
Additionally, plans for an upcoming joint commission meeting were discussed, following a previous gathering hosted by the UAE in 2022. The minister expressed a desire to host future sessions to address various bilateral issues, including renewable energy and other mutual interests.
Ambassador Alshamsi, during the meeting, expressed congratulations to Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu and reiterated his commitment to addressing challenges faced by Nigerian visa applicants. He also affirmed the success of visa issuance, noting that he has not rejected any visas since his tenure began 18 months ago and that over 700 tourism visas have been issued recently.
The Ambassador emphasized the importance of partnership, stating that despite occasional disagreements, both countries are working towards resolving issues. He underscored that they aim to finalize several agreements soon, ahead of a presidential visit to Nigeria anticipated in the second quarter of the year.
In summary, Nigeria and the UAE aim to tackle the visa procurement issues that have hindered Nigerian travelers. Through upcoming discussions and joint commission meetings, both nations seek to strengthen diplomatic relations and economic collaborations. By fostering transparency regarding visa policies and enhancing mutual agreements, both countries hold the potential for growth and better cooperation going forward.
Original Source: dailypost.ng
