The United Arab Emirates (UAE) clarified that Nigeria is not exempt from the standard visa application process.
On Monday, Nigerians were excited by news that the UAE had lifted its three-year travel ban.
However, their enthusiasm waned when Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, stated that the resolution came with “mutually beneficial” conditions.
One condition is obtaining a Document Verification Number (DVN). According to the DV hub, this service is designed to authenticate and verify documents necessary for UAE visa applications.
The DVN costs a non-refundable N640,000, excluding VAT, for each application, and this fee does not include the visa fee.
Additionally, Nigerians must provide proof of a six-month bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000 to obtain a UAE visa. Some citizens have criticized these requirements as a “constructive ban,” while others question the legitimacy of the DVN.
TheCable reached out to the UAE’s Department of Economy and Tourism to verify if obtaining a DVN was part of the agreed-upon conditions.
The department stated that the DV hub website is not affiliated with the UAE government. When asked if Nigerians need to pay for document verification, TheCable was referred to Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs (GDRFAD).
“You will need a personal photo and a copy of your passport which must not have less than six months validity,” the GDRFAD said, while explaining the process for a visa application.
A tourist visa costs about 200-300 dirhams (N60,000 – 90,000) depending on the stay.
“You will also need a travel ticket and valid medical insurance within the UAE,” the GDRFAD added.
When asked about the requirement to have a bank balance of $10,000, the directorate responded, “We are not aware of such requirements. Please submit your visa applications through the GDRFAD.”
Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, informed TheCable that the ministry would seek and provide clarification on the DVN from its office in the Middle East.
(The Cable)
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