The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has imposed a visa ban on Nigerians, announcing that all submitted applications are rejected and fees non-refundable.
UAE Bar Nigerians From Dubai
The announcement was made on Friday in a notice issued to its trade partners in Nigeria including travel agencies.
Although no reason was given for the decision, the Dubai authorities said the visa ban is for all Nigerians seeking to travel to the UAE.
Dubai authorities declared that all applications were on-hold until issues between the UAE and the Nigerian government were resolved.
“All Dubai applications submitted are now rejected. The rejections will be sent in batches.
“The rejections are general for Nigerians and approvals are on hold at the moment. There will be no refund for rejected applications.
“Kindly advise your clients to resubmit C2=A0 applications when the issue is resolved between both governments,” the notice to Nigerian travel agents declared.
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 customer representative from Air Peace, it was gathered that the airline is still flying to Dubai with those who already have a valid visa.
The representative added that if any changes were to occur as regards flight for Nigerians, it would be duly communicated, adding that no issue had been raised at the moment.
The development comes over a month after the UAE stopped issuing visas to Nigerians and tourists from countries under the age of 40.