The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa to offer increased flexibility for travelers.
However, Nigeria finds itself excluded from this favorable arrangement due to the strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The new visa policy enables tourists from eligible nations to enter and exit the UAE multiple times over a five-year period, provided they spend at least 90 days in the country during each visit.
It aims to enhance tourism and facilitate business interactions, aligning with the UAE’s vision of becoming a global economic hub.
Nigeria’s exclusion from the five-year visa offering stems from a series of diplomatic disputes and travel restrictions between the two nations.
In 2022, the UAE abruptly halted the issuance of visas to Nigerian citizens, along with those from 19 other African countries, without providing detailed explanations.
This move disrupted travel and business ties between the nations, including the suspension of flights by Emirates Airline from Nigeria due to financial disputes.
While the UAE’s new visa scheme promises increased ease of travel and extended stays for tourists, Nigerians remain sidelined from these benefits.
The exclusion underscores the need for diplomatic efforts to mend relations and restore normalcy in bilateral affairs.
Nigerian officials have yet to issue a formal response to the UAE’s latest visa policy.
However, it highlights the challenges facing Nigerian travelers and the urgency for constructive dialogue to address underlying tensions and foster cooperation between the two nations.
