Nigeria and the UAE are set to meet to address visa procurement issues faced by Nigerians. The meeting follows a courtesy visit by UAE Ambassador Salem Saeed Alshamsi to Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. The Minister highlighted the strong bilateral relationship and expressed concerns regarding visa policies, seeking clarity for Nigerian citizens. The discussion will also cover broader economic partnerships and agreements.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Nigeria are scheduled to convene to address ongoing visa procurement challenges faced by Nigerians intending to travel to the UAE. This agreement was reached following a courtesy visit by the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Alshamsi, to the Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in Abuja.
Currently, Nigerians are encountering significant difficulties, particularly with tourism visa applications. Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu remarked on the longstanding diplomatic and strategic ties between Nigeria and the UAE and highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to nurturing this relationship.
The Minister indicated that Dubai has become a favored destination for many Nigerians, with around 12,000 Nigerians residing in the UAE, including workers and students. In 2015, nearly one million Nigerians traveled to the UAE, spending approximately between $100 million and $150 million on visas and over $1 billion on shopping and other economic activities, excluding trade and educational expenses.
The Minister acknowledged the uneven economic ties, advocating for enhanced collaboration to strengthen mutual interests. She expressed concerns regarding the visa status and urged clarity on any new policies to better inform Nigerian citizens. “There have been numerous concerns about the status of visa for the UAE,” stated the Minister.
Further discussions will address the joint commission between Nigeria and the UAE, with Nigeria aiming to host the next meeting. Bilateral discussions are anticipated to cover wide-ranging topics, including renewable energy and power.
The ambassador commended the Minister on her recent appointment and acknowledged the 50-year relationship between Nigeria and the UAE. He reassured commitment to resolving visa-related issues, noting an increase in tourism visa issuance since his appointment.
Ambassador Alshamsi reported that more than 700 tourism visas had been issued since his arrival and emphasized the importance of cooperation. His aim includes optimizing agreements to enhance trade and investment collaboration between the two countries.
The meeting aims to resolve outstanding issues and further promote partnerships beneficial to both nations. The UAE’s recent aid, including support for flood victims and vaccines, was also appreciated by the Nigerian Minister, highlighting the humanitarian aspects of their cooperation.
In summary, the upcoming meeting between Nigeria and the UAE aims to address the visa procurement difficulties faced by Nigerians. This engagement reflects the strong diplomatic ties and economic relations between the two countries, with discussions extending to various bilateral matters. The UAE expresses commitment to improving visa processes and enhancing trade agreements, reinforcing their partnership while addressing mutual interests. Both countries anticipate fruitful collaborations that will strengthen their ongoing relationship.
Original Source: dailypost.ng
