The federal government has reached a compromise with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to lift the ban on Nigerian passport holders.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this shortly after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu on Monday.
The minister said after discussion with the UAE over the ban, an agreement has been reached.
“Nigeria has been discussing with the UAE over the ban on Nigerians traveling to that country, but today an agreement has been reached on that.
“Now Nigerian passport holders can be issued a visa to travel to the United Arab Emirates,” he said.
The minister in a statement on the ministry’s X page disclosed that the resumption of visas takes effect from July 15, 2024.
“This agreement includes updated controls and conditions to facilitate obtaining a UAE visa. The resumption of visas will be effective from July 15, 2024.
“Nigerians wishing to learn more about the updated visa conditions from the UAE can visit: http://documentverificationhub.ae for any additional information,” the statement said.
Recall that in October 2022, the UAE banned citizens from approximately 20 African nations from entering its borders.
Among the affected countries are Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Cameroon, Liberia, Burundi, Republic of Guinea, Gambia, Togo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Benin, Ivory Coast, Congo, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Guinea Bissau, Comoros, and the Dominican Republic.
It also issued a notice to trade partners and travel agents, instructing them to reject all applications.
