UAE stops issuing visa to Nigerians, rejects fresh applications

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) immigration authorities have again announced a visa ban on Nigerians, adding that all submitted applications are rejected and fees non-refundable.

The announcement, RELIABLESOURCENG.COM learnt, was made on Friday in a notice issued to its trade partners in Nigeria including travel agencies.

Although no reason was given for the ban, the Dubai authorities declared that all applications were on-hold until issues between the UAE government and the Nigerian government were resolved.

In the latest decision, which also affects virtually all black African nations, the UAE authorities in the notice said, “All Dubai applications submitted are now rejected. It is general for Nigerians and approvals are on hold at the moment.

READ: JUST IN: UAE lifts travel ban on Nigeria, 11 other African countries

“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 travel industry source confirmed receiving the message from the UAE authorities. “It is true, it was issued yesterday (Friday). The Dubai immigration did not state when the ban would be lifted but for now, everything is on hold,” the source told The Punch.

However, a customer representative from Air Peace said the airline was still flying to Dubai with those who already have valid visas. The source promised to alert the flying public if there was any change with respect to the visa ban.