The United Arab Emirates Immigration authorities on Friday announced a visa ban on Nigerians, with all submitted applications rejected and fees non-refundable.
According to The PUNCH, the UAE made the development known via a notice issued to its trade partners in Nigeria including travel agencies.
However, this decision will only apply to Nigerians seeking to travel to the UAE and not those whose visa applications have been approved.
The UAE Immigration authorities gave no reason for the ban, only stating that the Dubai authorities declared, all applications were on-hold until issues between the UAE and the Nigerian government were resolved.
The notice read “All Dubai applications submitted are now rejected. It is general for Nigerians and approvals are on hold at the moment.
“Kindly advise your clients to resubmit C2=A0 applications when the issue is resolved between both governments”.
A source from Wakanow, who confirmed the story said, “It is true, it was issued yesterday. The Dubai immigration did not state when the ban would be lifted but for now, everything is on hold.”
Speaking with a Correspondent of The PUNCH, a customer representative from Air Peace, disclosed that the airline is still flying to Dubai with those who already have a valid visas.
Adding that if any changes were to occur as regards flight for Nigerians, it would be duly communicated. Also, at the time of this report, no issue had been raised.
