Applicants express dissatisfaction with the recent increase in UAE visa fees to N640,000. Learn more about their concerns and reactions.
Air travellers in the country have criticized the United Arab Emirates Government for raising its visa fee by more than 300 per cent after lifting the visa ban on Nigeria.
Rose Aikigbe, a traveller at the international wing of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos expressed her anger over the development and stated that it clearly indicates that UAE Government does not want Nigeria to be a part of their domain. She further questioned why United Kingdom is getting more funds as compared to Nigeria and why the amount offered to them is so high?
“I believe that the Nigerian government should increase their engagement with the United Arab Emirates’ government to address this issue of price hike.”
Adejare Adebukola, a father of three, pleaded with the government to intervene in the increase and save his children’s aspirations as he had two kids who desired to pursue their education in Dubai.
“If both our government and the UAE government continue to refuse taking action regarding this increase, I regret to inform my children who aspire to study in Dubai that they will have to rethink their plans.”
Mayor @Enokeran2016 commented on X, stating that the frequent requests from FG to lift travel restrictions in UAE seem to be more advantageous for affluent individuals and politicians trying to stash their illegal gains, rather than benefiting regular Nigerians.
@firstladyship with a username of X wrote, “It is clear that the UAE has no desire to welcome Nigerians. Despite reluctantly lifting their ban on Nigerian passports, they have imposed a staggering fee of N640,000 exclusively for Nigerians.”
“Do you know what? The money cannot be refunded and it will expire. This is the end of the line.”
Briefing State House correspondents on Monday after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu, Mohammed Idris – Minister of Information and National Orientation – declared that the ban had been lifted.
An agreement between the Federal Government and UAE authorities has been announced by Idris, stating that travel restrictions imposed on Nigerians will be lifted with immediate effect.
Nigerian passport holders were notified by the minister that they can travel to UAE without any impediment. Additionally, individuals who wish to inquire about the new visa terms and conditions in UAE are advised by him to visit documentverificationhub.ae for additional information.
“I can confirm that the agreement has been finalized and starting today (Monday), Nigerian passport holders are permitted to travel to UAE,” he declared.
The document verification website of the United Arab Emirates was observed by our correspondent.
Non-refundable application fees for visas amounted to N640,000 and were mandatory for applicants.
Our correspondent learned that prior to the visa ban, the fee totaled $100 which converts to N155,500 with a currency exchange rate of N1,555/$.
There has been a 311.58% increase in the visa fee, which now stands at N484,500.
Payment of the N640,000 fee alone does not ensure a UAE visa as the Document Verification Number provided will only remain valid for 14 days after issuance or until processing by the visa application department.
Recall that Nigeria was subjected to a visa ban by the UAE due to various diplomatic disputes.
Furthermore, flights between Dubai and Nigeria were suspended by Emirates Airline due to the failure of the Central Bank of Nigeria to transfer around $85 million in revenue to the UAE.
After multiple meetings with the UAE government in June, Nigerians were assured by the Federal Government that they would soon lift their visa ban. The Nigerian government also shared news during this month that 98% of $850 million had been paid.
