Contrary to recent reports suggesting the lifting of the visa ban on Nigerian travelers to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it appears that the travel restriction remains in place. An official from the UAE has clarified the situation, stating, “There are no changes to the Nigeria/UAE travel status so far.”
This development comes following a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and UAE leader Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where they reportedly “finalized a historic agreement.” While the Nigerian government anticipated the lifting of the visa ban and immediate flight resumption, the UAE’s statement mentioned only “further bilateral collaboration” without specifying the visa ban or flight resumption.
Last year, the UAE had announced the suspension of visa issuance to citizens from Nigeria and other African nations without providing detailed reasons. Additionally, flights between the two countries had been halted, with Emirates Airline citing difficulties accessing and repatriating funds as a key issue.