Nigerians will soon heave a sigh of relief as changes are imminent in the recent visa fees by the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), sources close to the decision have said.
On 21 October 2022, the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced a ban on 20 African countries, including Nigeria. However, on 15 July 2024, Nigeria’s Information Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, announced that the ban “had been lifted following a mutually beneficial discussion” between Nigeria and the UAE.
Since this announcement, there has been a frenzy of information activities in the media.
Visa fees and banking requirements
Following the recent lifting of the visa ban, the UAE imposed more controls on the visa process, requiring document verification to ensure the authenticity of documents submitted by applicants.
The Document Verification Number (DVN) fee was structured at 640,000 NGN by the website managing the DVN process, documentverificationhub.ae. Additionally, a bank balance of 15 million naira was requested as a precondition to obtain a visa.
These stringent fees and banking requirements have caused significant concern and backlash among Nigerian travellers and stakeholders.
Potential review and reduction of fees
In response to the widespread concern, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) requested through official channels that the UAE reconsider these fees. However, only the UAE has the power to lower these stringent conditions, something the Nigerian government has been actively pushing for.
Sources close to the UAE have revealed that a new and revised rate for DVN and the bank balance requirement is imminent. This potential review aims to make it more affordable for Nigerians to visit the UAE for tourism, business, and family visits.
The FGN’s efforts appear to have been successful, with several sources confirming that the UAE is seriously considering revising the fee structure.
Impact on Nigerian travellers.
A reduction in DVN and visa fees would alleviate the financial burden on Nigerian travellers, making it easier for them to visit the UAE. This move is expected to foster stronger ties between the two nations, encouraging more tourism, business engagements, and cultural exchanges.
Lowering the fees would likely increase the number of Nigerian visitors to the UAE, boosting tourism and economic activities. It would also provide an opportunity for more Nigerians to explore business and investment opportunities in the UAE.
Timeline and Implementation
Although the exact timeline for the fee reduction has not been announced, changes are anticipated soon. Detailed guidelines and updated fee structures are expected following the review.
The potential reduction of visa and DVN fees underscores the UAE’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations with Nigeria.
This development signifies a positive step towards more inclusive and affordable travel policies, benefiting Nigerian citizens and enhancing diplomatic ties.
The DVN will improve Nigeria’s image in the UAE, hoping that more credible people will be able to travel and do business in UAE with ease, and remove negative perception from the few Nigerians involved in crime.
