The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has clarified that Nigeria has not been exempted from the regular visa application process.
Earlier reports of the three-year travel ban being lifted had initially sparked optimism among Nigerians.
However, Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s minister of information and national orientation, highlighted that there are conditions attached to the resolution that are intended to be mutually beneficial.
One of these conditions involves obtaining a Document Verification Number (DVN) through a specialized service designed to authenticate and verify essential documentation for UAE visa applications.
The cost for obtaining a DVN is N640,000 excluding VAT per application, in addition to the visa fee. Furthermore, applicants must present a six-month bank statement demonstrating a minimum balance of $10,000.
While some Nigerians have criticized these conditions as resembling a ‘constructive ban’, there has been skepticism regarding the authenticity and necessity of the DVN requirement.
When contacted for clarification, the UAE’s department of economy and tourism denied any knowledge of such conditions, stating that the DV hub website is not affiliated with the UAE government.
The Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs (GDRFAD) clarified that the standard visa application process requires a personal photo, passport copy with at least six months validity, a travel ticket, and valid medical insurance within the UAE.
They emphasized that they are not aware of any requirement for a $10,000 bank balance.
Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, indicated that the ministry would seek further clarification on the DVN issue from its office in the Middle East.
