Nigeria and the UAE plan to meet to address visa procurement issues for Nigerians aiming to travel to the UAE. The discussions stemmed from a visit by UAE Ambassador Alshamsi to Nigerian officials, emphasizing the longstanding diplomatic ties and the necessity for enhanced collaboration. The meeting aims to clarify visa policies and focus on cooperative agreements across various sectors.
In an upcoming meeting between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), officials aim to address the pressing issues surrounding visa procurement for Nigerians intending to travel to the UAE. This decision follows a courtesy visit by UAE Ambassador Salem Alshamsi to Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, to discuss these concerns.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted the strong diplomatic ties and strategic partnerships that have developed between Nigeria and the UAE over the years. She stressed Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining this longstanding relationship, which holds significance for both nations. Many Nigerians, approximately 12,000, currently reside in the UAE, encompassing various sectors from unskilled laborers to professionals and students.
The minister cited the economic impact of Nigerian tourists, reporting that in 2015, nearly one million Nigerians traveled to the UAE, contributing between $100 million and $150 million solely on visas, and over $1 billion on other tourism and shopping expenses. She raised concerns over the perceived imbalance in economic relations and highlighted the need for enhanced collaboration to better serve Nigeria’s interests.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also sought clarity on whether new visa policies had been implemented, given the numerous inquiries from government officials and the public regarding the status of UAE visas. “There have been numerous concerns about the status of visas for the UAE. Even some top government officials are worried,” she expressed.
Looking to the future, the minister announced plans to host a joint commission in Nigeria, succeeding a meeting held by the UAE in 2022. This session aims to tackle various bilateral issues, including power and renewable energy agreements. Odumegwu-Ojukwu anticipates that this effort will facilitate the resolution of outstanding memoranda of understanding (MOUs) that have not yet been addressed.
Additionally, she expressed gratitude towards the UAE for providing relief materials to assist Nigeria’s flood victims, alongside vaccines for chickenpox patients, further contributing to the nation’s health infrastructure. Ambassador Alshamsi acknowledged the minister’s recent appointment and conveyed his satisfaction with the advancements in Nigeria-UAE relations over the past fifty years.
Assuring his ongoing support, he stated his commitment to addressing visa issues, having issued over 700 tourism visas since his arrival in Nigeria. He expressed confidence that continued collaboration could resolve existing challenges and enhance bilateral agreements prior to an upcoming scheduled visit by the Nigerian President to the UAE in the second quarter of the year. Alshamsi remarked, “Sometimes, we might disagree on some issues, but there is nothing personal. But we could still resolve and agree.”
The imminent discussions between Nigeria and the UAE represent a crucial step towards resolving visa-related issues for Nigerians. Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s proactive engagement marks a commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties. Moreover, the planned joint commission highlights a mutual desire for deeper cooperation in various sectors, promising advancements in bilateral relations that could benefit both nations economically and socially.
Original Source: punchng.com
