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The United Arab Emirates Immigration authorities, have ordered for no more entry visa to Dubai for Nigerians till further notice, until issues between their government and the Nigerian government are resolved.
The latest decision, the UAE immigration authorities said, is for all Nigerians seeking to travel to the UAE, adding that all submitted applications are rejected and fees non-refundable.
Stating this in a notice to its trade partners in Nigeria, including travel and tours agencies, the UAE Immigration authorities said: “All Dubai visa applications submitted are now rejected. It is general for Nigerians and approvals are on hold at the moment.
“Kindly advise your clients to resubmit C2=A0 applications when the issue is resolved between both governments,” the notice to Nigerian travel agents declared.
An Abuja Travel and Tours agency source, who confirmed the story said: “It is true, it was issued yesterday. The Dubai immigration did not state when the ban would be lifted but for now, everything is on hold.”
Although the Air Peace airline still flies to Dubai, it was gathered this is for those who already have valid visas. The airline’s representative added that if any changes were to occur as regards flight for Nigerians, it would be duly communicated, adding that no issue had been raised at the moment.
Speaking on the issue, the federal government said Nigerians need to respect the immigration laws of other countries to avoid “unwarranted treatments”.
“The general public is invited to note and be guided that the Government of the UAE has introduced a new visa regime and has stopped issuing tourist visas to persons under the age of 40 years, except for those applying for family visas,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said.
“It is, therefore, instructive for prospective visa applicants to indicate clearly their visa preferences without any ambiguity and also respect the immigration laws of other countries to avoid unwarranted treatments.”
For several months in 2021, Nigeria and UAE had battled several diplomatic rows in the aviation industry./Agency Report/SHARE THIS