Despite the positive development, Nigerians are conflicted on how to react.
Following the announcement by the Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, during a briefing with State House correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday, Nigerians have expressed differing views on the subject.
On one hand, it seems like a step in the right direction, on the other, Nigerians listed more pressing concerns, and there are those who remain skeptical about the information.
Recall, that a similar report made news rounds in September 2023, when it was believed that the UAE had lifted the visa ban following a diplomatic meeting between the presidents of both countries Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Bola Tinubu.
However, above all, Nigerians are irate at the fact that they have to pay an exorbitant amount in the process of applying for the visa.
UAE Visa conditions
Before a Nigerian can apply for a visa to travel to the UAE, they must first obtain a Document Verification Number (DVN) before applying for their visa.
You also need a bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000 USD, according to the UAE’s Document Verification Hub. “You will be charged a total of ₦640 000 (six hundred forty thousand Nigerian Naira) excluding VAT for each application. Once paid, this fee is non-refundable,” information on the page reads.
Additionally, the document verification number is good for 14 days after it is issued or until the department handling visa applications has completed your application, whichever comes first.
Below are some of the reactions found on X.