Nigeria and UAE Set to Address Visa Issues and Strengthen Relations
Nigeria and the UAE will soon meet to discuss challenges surrounding visa applications for Nigerians traveling to the UAE. This initiative follows a courtesy visit by the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Both officials stressed the need for enhanced communication regarding visa policies and shared plans to strengthen their economic partnership through future joint commissions and agreements.
In the near future, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will convene to address challenges related to visa applications for Nigerians wishing to travel to the UAE. This decision followed a courtesy visit by Ambassador Salem Saeed Alshamsi, the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, to Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja.
Currently, many Nigerians, particularly those seeking tourism visas, are facing significant hurdles in securing visas to the UAE. Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized the positive diplomatic relations and strategic partnerships that Nigeria and the UAE share, recalling that Nigeria has consistently honored this relationship.
The UAE, especially Dubai, has become a favored destination for Nigerians. An estimated 12,000 Nigerians reside in the UAE across various sectors. In 2015, nearly a million Nigerians visited the UAE, spending approximately $100 to $150 million on visas, and over $1 billion on shopping alone, excluding funds sent for education and other economic activities.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu pointed out the imbalance in economic relations and the necessity to identify collaborative opportunities to strengthen mutual economic interests. She raised concerns about the status of UAE visa policies, which have been a topic of worry for both citizens and officials alike, urging clear communication on any policy changes.
The Minister announced plans for a subsequent joint commission between Nigeria and the UAE, following their last meeting in 2022, indicating that Nigeria intends to host this upcoming session. She reiterated the importance of discussing various bilateral issues such as renewable energy to enhance cooperation and advance unresolved Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
Additionally, the Minister conveyed gratitude to the UAE for its generous donations of relief materials for flood victims in Nigeria and support in health care with chicken pox vaccines. Ambassador Alshamsi highlighted the successful history of Nigeria-UAE relations over the past 50 years and commended the Minister on her recent appointment.
He affirmed his dedication to alleviating the challenges faced by Nigerian visa applicants and outlined that he has issued over 700 tourism visas since his arrival, with no visa applications rejected. Furthermore, he acknowledged the importance of continuing to expand agreements to enhance trade and investment ahead of an impending Presidential visit to Nigeria later in the year.
Ambassador Alshamsi emphasized the significance of partnership, assuring that while there may be disagreements at times, they would always seek to find mutual understanding and resolution, reinforcing the collaborative spirit between Nigeria and the UAE.
In conclusion, Nigeria and the UAE are poised to address pressing visa procurement issues through an upcoming meeting, highlighting the importance of their long-standing diplomatic relations. Both nations seek to enhance their economic partnership by exploring collaborative opportunities while ensuring clear communication regarding visa policies. The commitment shown by both ambassadors signifies a promising trajectory towards strengthened ties and mutual economic benefits.
Original Source: dailypost.ng
