Despite widespread reports of new visa restrictions by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) targeting Nigerian citizens, the Federal Government has clarified that it has not received any formal notification from UAE authorities regarding changes to visa policies.
According to reports that surfaced last week, the UAE has allegedly implemented a stricter visa regime for Nigerians, less than a year after both countries resolved a long-standing diplomatic impasse over visa issuance.
The purported new policy restricts Nigerians aged 18 to 45 from obtaining tourist visas unless they are accompanied by a sponsor or meet specific, newly introduced requirements.
In addition, the reports claim that all transit visa applications from Nigerian citizens have been suspended, effectively blocking Nigerian travellers from using UAE airports for stopovers on their way to other destinations.
Further tightening the process, applicants above 45 years of age are now said to be required to submit a personal bank statement spanning six months, reflecting a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 or its naira equivalent, before their visa applications can be considered.
Reacting to these reports, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga issued a statement on Tuesday, confirming that the Federal Government has yet to receive any official communication from the UAE on the matter.
He noted that while some changes have been observed in the visa application process, they appear to be unfolding in a gradual and orderly manner.
President Bola Tinubu, through the statement, expressed appreciation for the continued cooperation and constructive engagement between both governments.
He reassured Nigerians that the administration remains committed to protecting the rights and interests of its citizens abroad, adding that any genuine issues raised will be addressed through appropriate diplomatic channels in a spirit of mutual respect.
The Federal Government emphasized that it would continue to pursue diplomatic engagement with the UAE to clarify the situation and ensure that Nigerians can travel, work, and reside anywhere in the world with dignity and respect.
