The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has lifted the visa restrictions previously imposed on Nigerian citizens, effective immediately.
This significant development was announced by Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, following the Federal Executive Council meeting on Monday, presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
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Minister Idris confirmed that the Federal Government of Nigeria and the UAE authorities have reached an agreement to rescind the travel restrictions.
“Today, an agreement has been reached with the UAE. Effective from today, July 15, Nigerian passport holders intending to travel to the UAE can do so without any hindrance,” Idris stated.
The visa ban was originally imposed by the UAE amid several diplomatic disputes between the two nations. In addition to the visa restrictions, Dubai’s Emirates airline had suspended flight operations to Nigeria due to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) inability to remit an estimated $85 million in revenue to the UAE.
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In June, following a series of diplomatic meetings, the Federal Government of Nigeria assured its citizens that the visa ban would soon be lifted. By the end of that month, Nigeria had made substantial progress in resolving the financial dispute, having paid 98 per cent of the $850 million owed.
This diplomatic resolution marks a positive step forward in the relationship between Nigeria and the UAE, opening doors for smoother travel and cooperation between the two nations.
This is a developing story…
