Following the lifting of restrictions, numerous Nigerians have expressed dissatisfaction with the new requirements for obtaining visas to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Earlier this week, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, announced that the Federal Government and UAE authorities had reached an agreement to lift travel restrictions for Nigerians with immediate effect.
Minister Idris assured that Nigerian passport holders can now enter the UAE without hindrance. He further directed Nigerians seeking detailed information on the revised visa requirements to visit documentverificationhub.ae.
A key new requirement is the acquisition of a Document Verification Number (DVN). According to the DV hub website, this service verifies essential documentation necessary for UAE visa applications.
Obtaining a DVN costs ₦640,000 per application, excluding VAT, and does not cover the visa fee, which must be paid via credit card at the UAE visa centre in Abuja.
Furthermore, applicants must provide a six-month bank statement showing a minimum balance of $10,000, as well as round-trip flight tickets and proof of hotel booking.
Nigerians have expressed shock and dismay over these stringent conditions and the high cost associated with obtaining a UAE visa.
@chimacoeche wrote, “If not corruption, why will Nigerians go to Dubai when they have the same type of mineral resources?
The Nigerian government is doing this to ensure that the youths of this country rot here.”
@emmaocheme: Them no force anybody to go there.. if you can’t meet the required dey your dey!
@dat_oronboy: I wonder what is so special about going to UAE
@common_wealthy1: Why is it so expensive just to travel to UAE
