By Damilare Adeleye
Uncertainty is trailing the recent lift of ban on Nigerians for United Arab Emirates (UAE) visa.
This is as it was learnt that the UAE is yet to open its visa application portals for Nigerians contrary to information being circulated in the public domain.
Recall that Mohammed Idris, the minister of information and national orientation, announced on Monday that the UAE and Nigeria had reached an agreement for the resumption of travel for citizens beginning from July 15.
Many Nigerians were thrilled to read that the three-year travel ban from the UAE had been lifted.
It was however learnt that the development came with some caveats and seemingly stringent conditions on the part of Africa most populous country.
The minister said the lift of the ban was reached following “successful talks and extensive, mutually beneficial negotiations.”
However, the minister said the new deal includes “updated controls and conditions” to facilitate obtaining a UAE visa.
It was stated that one of the new requirements is obtaining a document verification number (DVN).
According to the DV hub, the process is a specialised service designed to authenticate and verify documentation essential for visa applications to the UAE.
The DVN costs a non-refundable N640,000 excluding VAT for each application. This does not include the visa fee.
In addition to obtaining a UAE visa, Nigerians are required to provide proof of a six-month bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000.
While some citizens described the conditions as an upheld ‘constructive ban’, others expressed doubt about the authenticity of the DVN.
Meanwhile, when the UAE’s department of economy and tourism was contacted to confirm if obtaining a DVN was part of the resolutions reached, the department said the DV hub website is not affiliated with the UAE government.
Asked if Nigerians are required to make payments for documents’ 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.
Asked about the need to have a bank balance of $10,000, the directorate said: “We are not aware of such requirements. Make your visa applications through the GDRFAjD.”