The Federal Government of Nigeria has provided an insight into the alleged hostile treatment of Nigerians in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) explaining why they believe it is happening.
Africa Today News, New York reports that in recent weeks, social media have been awash with reports of inhumane treatments meted out to Nigerians in the country.
While sharing her thoughts on the issue, Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, stated that the UAE authorities recently released new guidelines for visa applications for people under the age of 40.
She asserted that many Nigerians now try to circumvent the guidelines by applying for ‘family visas,’ instead of providing clarity on the kind of visa they are asking for.
She disclosed that six months genuine bank statement, accommodation details, as well as a return ticket, must be produced on arrival.
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Africa Today News, New York reports that the UAE authorities had tightened visa rules for Nigerians in the aftermath of an unrest by some Nigerians in the country.
In a statement, Dabiri-Erewa said, ‘Recall the recent warning issued a while ago. The UAE Government has now introduced a new visa regime and has stopped issuing tourist visas to persons under the age of 40 years, except for those applying for family visas.
‘However, to evade the new visa rules, some applicants request ‘family visas’. On arrival, some travel alone and arrive without family.
‘So they are turned back from the airport. Also the UAE authorities demand: Return ticket, Valid 6 months Bank Account Statement and A valid Residence Address.
‘There have been quite a number of Nigerian passengers turned back from the UAE airport in the last few weeks.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued a statement, advising Nigerians to respect the new visa rules of the UAE Government.