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UAE Has Not Lifted Visa Ban On Nigeria, Says Presidency

Reports were indicating that the ban had been lifted. But the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President Bayo Onanuga has refuted the claims which were credited to him. 


A handout picture provided by the UAE Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (L) meeting with President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the sidelines of the COP28 climate talks in Dubai on December 3, 2023. (Photo by Ryan CARTER / UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT / AFP)

 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is yet to lift the visa ban on Nigeria, according to the presidency. 

Reports were indicating that the ban had been lifted. But the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President Bayo Onanuga who the report was attributed to has clarified that the ban is yet to be lifted

“UAE has not resumed visa issuance to Nigerians. The document in circulation is not authorised either by the Nigerian government or the UAE,” Onanuga posted on his X handle on Tuesday evening.

The UAE had in October 2022 banned Nigerians and citizens from 19 other African countries from entering its borders.

Following the move, the country’s authorities issued a notice to travel agents and trade partners to reject all applications.

Owing to the ban, both countries’ authorities have been in diplomatic logjam about travel restrictions.