UAE Visa Ban Lifted: New Hefty Fee Sparks Controversy Among Nigerians

Following the lifting of the visa ban on Nigerian passport holders on Monday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has charged applicants N640,000 (non-refundable) as an application fee.
According to Report findings, before the visa ban came into effect, the fee was $100. At the current Naira/Dollar exchange rate (N1,555), it will cost N155,500 at the I&E window.
Requirements for entering the UAE with a Nigerian passport also include applicants obtaining a Document Verification Number (DVN) before applying to receive a visa. The N640,000 fee is not a guarantee of a UAE visa as the DVN issued is valid for 14 days after issuance or after the visa application is processed by the visa application department (whichever is earlier).

These are in line with the new visa issuance guidelines set by the UAE government.
Several Nigerians, using the X handle, have expressed their displeasure over the new visa fees.
NEFERTITI @firstladyship, with X handle, said: “It is obvious the UAE don’t want Nigerians. They reluctantly unbanned the Nigerian passport but slammed a hefty N640,000 on Nigerians.
“Guess what? The money is nonrefundable & has an expiration date. This is see finish.”
Prince @Peco3D with X handle explained: “This is just extortion in fine words. Shameless”
“This is exploitation and shameful if allowed by Nigeria government,” explained lucky man with X handle @Comr_lucky1.
“You think FG constant solicitation was for mere Nigerians? The constant appeal from the Nigerian government to lift travel bans to the UAE appears to primarily benefit wealthy individuals and politicians seeking a haven for their ill-gotten wealth, rather than ordinary Nigerians,” said Mayor @Enokeran2016 with X handle.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced on Tuesday that the UAE has lifted the visa ban on travel to the country from Nigeria. He disclosed this in a statement delivered by his Special Assistant (Media), Rabiu Ibrahim, in Abuja on Monday.

“You are aware that Nigeria is in negotiations with the United Arab Emirates for the issuance of visas to Nigerian passport holders to the UAE.
“An agreement has been reached today and as of today, the 15th of July, Nigerian passport holders can now obtain visas to enter the UAE.
“I can tell you that the agreement has been reached and effective from today, Nigerian passport holders intending to travel to the UAE are able to do so,” Idris said.
Due to various diplomatic disputes, the UAE imposed a visa ban on Nigeria about two years ago. Additionally, Dubai-based airline Emirates suspended flights to Nigeria after the Central Bank of Nigeria failed to remit an estimated $85 million in revenue to the UAE.
Additionally, Dubai-based airline Emirates suspended flights to Nigeria after the Central Bank of Nigeria failed to remit an estimated $85 million in revenue to the UAE. In June, after several meetings with the UAE government, the federal government assured Nigerians that the visa ban would soon be lifted. That same month, the Nigerian government announced it had remitted 98 percent of the $850 million.