The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has slammed a fresh visa ban on Nigerians seeking to visit Dubai, a decision that would trigger travel crisis for travellers.
The ban was conveyed in a notice issued to the country’s trade partners in Nigeria by the Destination Management Companies (DMCs) licensed to issue electronic visas to the UAE.
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This was coming weeks after the country tightened the visa requirements to prospective visitors to the country, requiring them to provide a six-month statement of account.
The requirement was further reviewed by the UAE and restricted Nigerians under 40, except couples from visiting the country.
But in the latest decision, the UAE authorities imposed a total ban, with many applications rejected.
The notice sent to trade partners reads, “Kindly note that Dubai Immigration has stopped approving visas for Nigerians at the moment.
“All previously submitted applications are currently on hold. Kindly note that this is beyond our control. We will update once visas start getting approved.”
The rejections, according to the notice, “are general for Nigerians and approvals are on hold at the moment.”
It equally specified that there would be no refund for rejected applications.
The UAE authorities have not provided any reason for the decision, which trade partners said would affect flights to Dubai.
Daily Trust on Sunday reports that the UAE has imposed a series of restrictions on Nigeria, which strained diplomatic relationships between the two countries in recent times.
Dubai is one of the most frequently visited countries in the UAE with several airlines flying to the country, including Nigeria’s Air Peace.
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