Emmanuel Ochayi
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has denied reports that it requires a $10,000 bank balance and N640,000 fee for Nigerians applying for visas.
These rumours were recently addressed by the UAE’s Department of Economy and Tourism, following inquiries from The Cable.
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On Monday, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that UAE authorities had lifted travel restrictions imposed on Nigerians.
Idris mentioned that certain conditions must be met for visa applications, including obtaining a document verification number on the document verification hub. ae.
The website stated that this verification costs a non-refundable N640,000, excluding VAT.
However, the UAE’s Department of Economy and Tourism clarified that the DV hub website is not affiliated with the UAE government.
They directed all document verification inquiries to Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFAD).
Clarification from UAE Authorities
The GDRFAD explained that the visa application process requires a personal photo and a passport with at least six months’ validity.
READ ALSO: Nigerians Decry UAE’s $10,000 Bank Balance, ₦640,000 Document Verification Fee For Visa
The cost of a tourist visa ranges from 200 to 300 dirhams (N60,000 to N90,000), depending on the length of stay. Additional requirements include a travel ticket and valid medical insurance for the UAE.
When asked about the $10,000 bank balance requirement, a GDRFAD spokesperson said, “We are not aware of such requirements. Make your visa applications through the GDRFAD.”
Reactions and Further Clarifications
The rumored requirements had drawn criticism from air travelers, who labeled them as a “constructive ban.”
In response, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Eche Abu-Obe, assured that further clarification on the matter would be sought from their office in the Middle East.
Background of the Visa Restrictions
The visa ban on Nigeria by the UAE was imposed nearly two years ago due to diplomatic disputes.
Additionally, Dubai’s Emirates Airline halted flights to Nigeria because the Central Bank of Nigeria could not remit an estimated $85 million in revenue to the UAE.
In June, after several meetings with the UAE government, the Nigerian Federal Government assured citizens that the visa ban would soon be lifted.
During the same month, the Nigerian government announced that it had paid 98 percent of the $850 million owed.
The UAE’s denial of the $10,000 bank balance and N640,000 fee requirements clarifies the official visa application process for Nigerians.
Applicants are advised to follow the procedures outlined by the GDRFAD and verify any information through official channels to avoid misinformation.
