Nigeria, UAE Agree to Resume Visa Issuance

The Federal Government has finalised an agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to reinstate visa issuance for Nigerian passport holders.

This announcement, confirmed by the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, follows a briefing to State House correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on Monday.

The decision comes after a prolonged suspension of visa issuance to Nigerians by the UAE, which stemmed from a complex diplomatic rift between the two nations. This period of strained relations led to significant disruptions in travel and bilateral agreements, including the suspension of Emirates Airlines’ flights between Lagos and Dubai since 2022.

Emirates Airlines, a key player in air travel between Nigeria and the UAE, had suspended its operations citing challenges in repatriating funds from Nigeria amidst the diplomatic tensions.

However, in a separate announcement earlier this year, Emirates Airlines disclosed plans to resume daily flights between Lagos and Dubai from October 1, 2024, signaling a gradual thawing of relations between the two countries.

The recent agreement to lift visa restrictions underscores efforts to normalise diplomatic relations and enhance bilateral cooperation.

Historically, issues surrounding the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and visa regulations have been contentious points between Nigeria and the UAE, impacting the movement of Nigerian migrants and tourists to one of the region’s preferred destinations.

Notably, efforts towards reconciliation gained momentum following a pivotal meeting in September 2023 between President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. The meeting aimed to address longstanding grievances and pave the way for renewed engagement and cooperation between the two nations.

With the resumption of visa issuance effective immediately, Nigerian travelers can once again explore opportunities in the UAE, reaffirming a commitment to diplomatic dialogue and mutual benefit between both nations.