The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced efforts to resolve visa issues for Nigerians traveling to the UAE. Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the ongoing challenges in obtaining tourism visas, despite strong diplomatic ties. A joint commission meeting is planned to discuss these concerns and enhance bilateral relations, especially regarding economic collaboration. The UAE Ambassador assured progress on this matter, with upcoming agreements aimed at strengthening ties further.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria has communicated that efforts will be made to address visa procurement challenges faced by Nigerians traveling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This announcement was made by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, following a meeting with Ambassador Salem Alshamsi, the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria.
Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged the difficulties encountered by Nigerians, especially in obtaining tourism visas. These issues persist despite the cordial diplomatic relationship and strategic partnerships between Nigeria and the UAE. The minister emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing this diplomatic bond.
The UAE is a favored destination for many Nigerians, with about 12,000 Nigerians officially residing there, including professionals and students. The minister noted that in 2015, nearly one million Nigerians visited the UAE, resulting in substantial expenditures on tourism and other associated activities.
Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu insisted on the necessity of establishing a more equitable economic relationship. She highlighted ongoing concerns regarding current visa statuses, which have been raised by Nigerian officials, and mentioned a planned joint commission meeting to address these issues, previously hosted by the UAE in 2022.
She appreciated the UAE’s support through donations of relief materials and vaccines, expressing the urgency of communicating any updates regarding visa policies to Nigerians. Furthermore, she proposed hosting the joint commission in Nigeria to discuss various bilateral issues.
Ambassador Alshamsi commended Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s new appointment and acknowledged the advancements made in the Nigeria-UAE relationship over the last fifty years. He shared that more than 700 tourism visas have been issued since July 2024 without any rejections during his tenure. Alshamsi reiterated the UAE’s commitment to resolving visa challenges and fostering closer economic ties between the two nations.
He also mentioned upcoming agreements intended to enhance bilateral relations, with significant discussions anticipated before the Nigerian president’s visit to the UAE in the second quarter of 2025.
In summary, Nigeria and the UAE are taking significant steps to resolve challenges related to visa procurement for Nigerians. The discussions led by Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Ambassador Salem Alshamsi aim to foster economic partnerships and improve bilateral relations further. The anticipated joint commission meeting highlights Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with the UAE while addressing any unresolved visa issues. This initiative reflects the enduring diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
Original Source: nannews.ng
