The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially announced the resumption of visa services for Nigerian citizens, marking the end of a two-year visa ban imposed on Nigerians. The ban had resulted in the automatic rejection of pending visa applications.

In a joint statement titled “Resumption of Visa Services for Nigerians Travelling to the UAE,” issued by the governments of Nigeria and the UAE, it was revealed that the visa ban was lifted on March 4, 2024.

The statement described this development as a significant milestone, signaling the successful outcome of extensive discussions between the two nations. It emphasized the shared commitment to strengthening ties, promoting cultural exchanges, and fostering opportunities for economic and social collaborations.

To ensure a smooth and efficient visa application process, the UAE has introduced an enhanced document verification procedure. Starting from March 4, 2024, all Nigerian applicants for UAE visas are required to obtain a document verification number. This crucial step can be completed by visiting the dedicated online Document Verification Hub platform (https://documentverificationhub.com), as highlighted by UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Saleem Saeed Al-Shamsi.

Ambassador Al-Shamsi expressed the UAE’s commitment to facilitating straightforward and expedited visa applications for Nigerians. The introduction of the Document Verification Number aims to enhance the integrity of the application process and ensure prompt processing for all applicants.

After obtaining the Document Verification Number, applicants can proceed with their visa applications through designated travel agents. The final processing will be completed at the UAE Embassy in Abuja or Lagos.

The UAE’s announcement signifies ongoing efforts to strengthen the strong ties between the UAE and Nigeria, contributing to the prosperity and well-being of both nations’ people.

It is worth recalling that the UAE had initially imposed a ban on nationals from several African countries, including Nigeria, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns about the behavior of some foreign nationals in 2022. This led to strained relations between Nigeria and the UAE, particularly regarding the handling of travelers entering Dubai during the pandemic.

However, upon assuming office, President Tinubu directed efforts to resolve the diplomatic dispute with the UAE over the suspension of Nigerian visas. He emphasized the need for both nations to address core aviation and immigration issues and find an amicable resolution, highlighting that Nigeria and the UAE are like a family living in separate rooms but in the same house.

With the lifting of the visa ban, the UAE aims to rebuild its relationship with Nigeria and work towards strengthening aviation and immigration cooperation between the two nations.