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Tag: VISA

  • Nigeria-Dubai visa face-off and matters arising

    Nigeria-Dubai visa face-off and matters arising

    By Tosin Kolade

    The visa policies between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been a topic of intense debate in recent months.

    Dubai is a popular destination for Nigerians, both for tourism and business. However, recent changes in visa regulations have sparked controversy and raised several issues.

    It may be recalled that Dubai’s Emirates Airline stopped flights to Nigeria because it claimed Central Bank of Nigeria did not remit around $85 million in earnings to UAE.

    Following several meetings with the UAE government, the Nigerian government assured its citizens that the visa ban would soon be lifted.

    That same month, the Nigerian government announced that it had paid 98 percent of the $85 million.

    In October 21, 2022, the UAE announced a more stringent visa policy for Nigerian citizens and 19 African countries, citing security concerns and the need to regulate the influx of visitors.

    The new policy includes more rigorous application processes, higher fees, and stricter scrutiny of visa applicants.

    The immediate impact of the new policy has been felt by many Nigerians who had plans to travel to Dubai for various purposes.

    Business owners who frequently travel to Dubai for trade and commerce have reported significant disruptions to their operations.

    Tour operators have also seen a drop in bookings as potential tourists are deterred by the complicated visa process.

    The economic and tourism implications of this policy change are significant.

    Industry watchers believe that Nigeria is one of Dubai’s key markets in Africa, and the reduction in Nigerian visitors could affect Dubai’s tourism and retail sectors.

    One of those affected by the new visa regulations is Hajiya Amina Yusuf, a Nigerian businesswoman who imports fabrics and jewelry from Dubai.

    “This new policy has been a nightmare for my business, I have had to cancel several orders because my staff can’t get visas to travel to Dubai and inspect the goods before paying.”

    For Chinedu Okeke, a tour operator in Abuja, the new visa rules led to a dramatic drop in bookings.

    “Dubai was a top destination for Nigerian tourists, Now, many of my clients are looking elsewhere because the visa process is just too complicated and expensive”, Okeke said.

    Adeola Adebayo, a Nigerian student who planned to attend a conference in Dubai, shared her disappointment.

    “I was really looking forward to networking and learning at the conference, but my visa application was denied. It’s frustrating because it feels like our opportunities are being limited”, she said.

    Public reaction in Nigeria has been mixed. Some citizens support the government’s call for a reconsideration of the policy, viewing it as an unfair restriction.

    Others see it as an opportunity to boost local tourism and business, suggesting that Nigerians should explore other destinations and markets.

    A Public Affairs Analyst, Mr John Ikwebe, said the visa restriction was a double-edged sword.

    “While they may address security concerns, they also hinder economic and cultural exchanges that benefit both nations.”

    Ikwebe noted that it was crucial for both countries to find a middle ground that addresses security issues without stifling economic growth and people-to-people connections.

    The visa issue has also strained diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the UAE.

    Nigerian government officials have expressed their dissatisfaction with the new policy, urging the UAE to reconsider its stance.

    In response, the UAE had emphasised its sovereign right to regulate its immigration policies while expressing willingness to engage in diplomatic dialogue.

    However, on July 15, 2024, Nigeria’s Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, announced that the ban “has been lifted following a mutually beneficial discussion” between Nigeria and the UAE”.

    Idris said the Federal Government and the UAE authorities have reached an agreement vacating travel restrictions imposed on Nigerians with immediate effect.

    The minister revealed that Nigerian passport holders can now travel to the UAE without any hindrance.

    He also asked Nigerians seeking information on the updated UAE visa conditions can visit documentverificationhub.ae for further details.

    He said, “I can tell you that the agreement has been reached and effective from today, Nigerian passport holders intending to travel to the UAE are able to do so.

    “You are aware that Nigeria has been discussing with the United Arab Emirates the issue of visas for Nigerian passport holders going to the United Arab Emirates.

    “Today, an agreement has been reached on that, and effective from today 15th July, Nigerian passport holders are able to obtain visas to go to the United Arab Emirates.

    “Details of that will be provided to you later today when we put out a statement.”

    As the conversation unfolds, United Arab Emirates say it is considering slashing visa and Document Verification Number (DVN) for Nigerians.

    Following the recent lifting of the visa ban, the UAE imposed more controls on the visa process, requiring document verification to ensure the authenticity of documents submitted by applicants.

    The DVN fee was structured at N640, 000 by the website managing the DVN process.

    Additionally, a bank balance of N15 million was requested as a precondition to obtain a visa.

    Looking ahead, the future of Nigeria-Dubai visa relations remains uncertain.

    Experts say both nations have a vested interest in maintaining a positive relationship, and ongoing negotiations could lead to a more balanced policy.

    They believe that as both countries navigate these changes, the hope is for a resolution that benefits all parties involved, fostering mutual respect and continued cooperation.

    NAN

  • Saudi issues warning on visas for Hajj pilgrimage

    Saudi issues warning on visas for Hajj pilgrimage

    Saudi Arabia has accused tourism companies from other countries of misleading visit visa holders into participating in the Hajj pilgrimage.

    The Security Spokesperson of the Saudi Interior Ministry, Talal Shalhoub, said that those companies issued visas not intended for Hajj, and encouraged them to violate regulations by staying in Mecca two months before the Hajj season, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

    The spokesperson emphasised that a Hajj permit is not merely a transit card but a crucial tool that facilitates access to pilgrims and identifies their locations to provide necessary care and services.

    The spokesperson underscored that individuals without a Hajj permit face challenges in accessing essential services and healthcare during the pilgrimage.

    According to Shalhoub, 83 per cent of the total mortalities during the Hajj season this year, amounting to 1,079 out of 1,301, were those without Hajj permits.

  • Sudan denies rejecting U.S. envoy visa

    Sudan denies rejecting U.S. envoy visa

    Sudan’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday refuted claims that the Sudanese government had declined to grant visa to Tom perriello, U.S special Envoy for Sudan.

    The ministry clarified, “The Sudanese embassy in Washington or any other capital did not receive a request from Mr. Perriello for an entry visa.”

    Earlier reports from Sudanese local media suggested that Perriello had stated during a meeting with a Sudanese civil group in Kampala, Uganda, that the Sudanese government had denied him a visa.

    Responding to these reports, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry confirmed that the Sudanese embassy in Washington contacted the U.S. State Department, which affirmed that Perriello had not made such statements.

    Perriello was appointed as the U.S. special envoy for Sudan on Feb. 26, 2024, with a mandate to lead U.S. efforts to resolve the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan.

    Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April 15, 2023.

    According to recent estimates by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, it said that 15,550 people had been killed and displaced 8.7 million others so far.

  • Sudan denies reports of visa denial to U.S. envoy

    Sudan denies reports of visa denial to U.S. envoy

    Sudan’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Thursday refuting claims that the Sudanese government had declined to grant an entry visa to U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello.

    The ministry clarified, “The Sudanese embassy in Washington or any other capital did not receive a request from Mr Perriello for an entry visa.”

    Earlier reports from Sudanese local media suggested that Perriello had stated during a meeting with a Sudanese civil group in Kampala, Uganda, that the Sudanese government had denied him a visa.

    Responding to these reports, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry confirmed that the Sudanese embassy in Washington contacted the U.S. State Department, which affirmed that Perriello had not made such statements.

    Perriello was appointed as the U.S. special envoy for Sudan on Feb. 26, 2024, with a mandate to lead U.S. efforts to resolve the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan.

    Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April 15, 2023.

    The clashes have killed 15,550 people and displaced 8.7 million others so far, according to recent estimates by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

  • BREAKING: FG announces new visa regime

    BREAKING: FG announces new visa regime

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC), presided over by President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday approved memos from the Ministries of Aviation, Communications, Power, FCT and Works.

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this at the end of the FEC meeting in Abuja, adding that the Ministry of Interior’s memo on the review of the new visa regime was also approved.

    Idris said that the new visa regime was to address the lacuna and challenges faced by citizens and foreign investors coming or going out of the country.

    He said the new visa process would now be completely online, with background security checks of applicants done within 48 hours, adding that this would commence in the next four weeks.

    Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo disclosed the ministry’s approval to involve the withdrawal of exemption of payment of tickets by some highly placed Nigerians at the nation’s airports.

    He said the former system, which had caused loss of revenue, had been bought into by the president and the vice-president, respectively.

    “The ministry has been losing huge revenue that ordinarily should not be. With the new system everybody coming into the nation’s airports must pay the toll gate fees. Already the President and the Vice-President has agreed to be part of those that would pay.’’ he said.

    On the recurrent runway incidents, Keyamo said that the ministry would continue on the path of ensuring adherence to proper regulation while supervision under him would be sustained.

    “There is no way I will allow the safety of air passengers to be jeopardised under my watch. Any airline that is consistently found wanting in this issue will be sanctioned appropriately; as in the case of the Dana Airline”.

    The Minister of Communication, Bosun Tijani, said that a Special Purpose Vehicle would be set up for the construction of 90,000 fiber cable across the country in the next three years to improve internet service and its cost.

    According to Tijani, this cable forms a part of the government’s strategy aimed at connecting local, sub-national and federal government into a system for accountability and transparency in governance and to improve service delivery in the areas of health, education, revenue generation among others.

    Also, Minister of Power Adelabu Adebayo said the council approved the provision of earthing, reactor and emergency equipment for the sector in order to increase power generation, transmission and distribution in the country.

    Adebayo said that these contracts are expected to strengthen the power sector reforms, reduce down time and increase access of electricity to Nigerians.

    He said the contract would also address the decay in infrastructure in the power sector, which had been the bane of low power distribution and transmission over time.

    The council, he said, also approved the initiative of the ministry to use complementary energy sources like solar and wind to add to the efficiency of the national grid.

    He said that solar would continue to be used in the sunny parts of the country while wind energy would be integrated at the southern coastal parts.

    The FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, disclosed that the council approved three memos on development of bus terminals, building of Appeal Court and the operation and maintenance of street light generators in the territory.

    Minister of Work Dave Umahi also disclosed council approval of 12 memos bordering on redesign and continuation ofvroad projects across the country, adding that the projects underwent adequate bidding and followed due process.

    Umahi said the contract for the Lagos-Calabar was done through due process contrary to some reports claiming otherwise, adding that the government was concerned about having value for all funds allocated for any project.

    The minister of Finance, Wale Edun, said that the government would continue to prioritise the infrastructural needs of the nation for a better future development of the country as well as to improve the living standard of the citizens.

    In this way, he said, the federal government was working out special funding to develop the housing and infrastructural sub-sector of the economy, adding that this would involve the private sector and development partners’ financing.

    Edun said the government would leverage on the huge funds under the pension scheme, Sovereign Wealth Fund, Ministry of Finance Incorporated, insurance and other financial options to resuscitate the sector and make housing more accessible and affordable to ordinary citizens at a low interest rate.

  • Visa administration: FG to streamline process for easy accessibility – Interior Minister

    Visa administration: FG to streamline process for easy accessibility – Interior Minister

    The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has restated the Federal Government’s commitment to review the nation’s visa policy administration for easy accessibility.

    Tunji-Ojo made this known during a Stakeholders Consultative Meeting on Nigeria visa policy on Saturday in Abuja.

    The minister explained that though, striking a balance between easy access to visa and national security was very delicate, but if done well, it would no doubt lead to a healthy investment promotion among others.

    “You see, a seamless access to any country is key for investment promotion, job creation, foreign direct investment. In short it is key to whatever a particular country wants to do or achieve to enable it progress.

    “The logic is that everything is built on effective visa administration. So, we are here to really talk about it and to be able to streamline the process for better.

    “Especially, in areas of short stay visa and even our other categories of visa to see how we can optimise them and make it more efficient in such a way that will be able to attract more investment,” Tunji-Ojo said.

    He said government is determined to make sure that in the next couple of weeks, the new implementation framework will be on ground.

    The Minister said subsequently, people all over the world will start having easy access to the country because government want to welcome investment and people.

    “Just last year, the number of foreign passengers that came to Nigeria was just less than two million people.

    “That is unacceptable for a country of over 200 million people. It means that we are limiting investment, import of forex among other things.

    “So, once we get the visa policy right, and we get the implementation framework perfect, then definitely the economic prosperity will come,” Tunji-Ojo said.

    Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Ndayako, said that the review had become imperative bearing in mind the importance of visa to the overall development of any country.

    Ndayako expressed optimism that at the end of the meeting, stakeholders would have come up with a new visa policy framework that would be able to compete with other climes that got it right.

  • Angolan embassy opens visa collection centre in Port Harcourt

    Angolan embassy opens visa collection centre in Port Harcourt

    The Angolan Embassy has promised to continue to harness the various economic potentials in Nigeria as it opened a visa collection centre in Port Harcourt.

    The embassy said that the measure was part of efforts to strengthen business ties with Nigeria.

    Dr Jose Zan, Angolan Ambassador to Nigeria, gave the assurance while inaugurating the centre in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

    According to him, there are lots of hurdles experienced by both countries (Nigeria and Angola) in terms of accessing the Angola visa from Port Harcourt, hence, the need for the centre.

    The envoy noted that the centre was expected to satisfy travel needs of the Angolan community resident in the South South and South Eastern part of the country.

    “I have been on duty in Nigeria less than a year during which I’m ensuring better business approach between Nigeria and Angola.

    “One of my targets is to enhance travel experience for the Angolan and Nigerian communities and one of the ways to achieve this is to ensure an easy facilitation in terms of visa procurement.

    “These communities have suffered lots of hurdles shuttling both countries from Port Harcourt; sometimes, when they had to fly to Abuja to procure their visas, they end up missing business appointments and spending extra cost on hotels.

    That’s why we are here in Port Harcourt, to enhance speedy procurement of Angolan visas which is easy and also possible within 24 hours.

    Mr Onyemaechi Ejindu, CEO, Akwahelms Ltd, also a partner in the centre, said it was poised to ensure professional strategies that would enhance travel experience to Angola.

    He said that the advantage of having the collection centre in Port Harcourt was to help address the difficulties of traveling to Lagos or Abuja to facilitate visa allocations.

    ” Now that Angolan embassy has brought a visa centre closer to the south and eastern states,  we also look forward to collaborating with other airlines that will be linked to the Angolan national airline in terms of connectivity.

    “As we speak, it’s surprising the number of Nigerian/Angolan community that shuttle between Angola and Port Harcourt for various types of businesses.

    “This is why we made efforts to establish this centre in order to reach out to those who are into trading and other businesses,” he said.

    Ejindu said that Angola, like Nigeria, had lots of attractions and both countries were beginning to appreciate their similarities and also exploiting economic relationships.

    According to him, just like Nigeria, Angola is richly endowed with crude oil and other natural deposits like gold, diamond and many others.

  • Japa: Australia begins tough visa rules for Nigerian students as migration increases

    Japa: Australia begins tough visa rules for Nigerian students as migration increases

    The Australian Government has started the enforcement of tougher visa rules for Nigerian students and their foreign counterparts planning to move to the country as the number of migrants hit a record high.

    The rules which will commence officially on Saturday indicate that English language requirements for student and graduate visas will be increased, while the government will get the power to suspend education providers from recruiting international students if they repeatedly break rules.

    “The actions this weekend will continue to drive migration levels down while delivering on our commitments in the migration strategy to fix the broken system we inherited,” Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said in a statement.

    It was learned further that a new “genuine student test” will be introduced to further crack down on international students who look to come to Australia primarily to work, while the imposition of “no further stay” conditions will be used on more visitor visas.

    The initiatives follow a slew of measures taken last year to end the prior government’s COVID-era concessions, including unfettered working hours for international students. At the time, the administration stated that standards for students would be tightened, potentially reducing migrant intake by half over the next two years.

    However, the quick surge of international workers and students has put further pressure on an already tight rental market.

    According to data issued by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Thursday, net immigration increased by 60% to a record 548,800 in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, surpassing the 518,000 persons in the fiscal year ending June 30.

    Overall, Australia’s population increased by 2.5%, the fastest rate on record, to 26.8 million people in the year to September.

    The historic migration, led by students from India, China, and the Philippines, has increased labour supply while containing wage pressures, but it has exacerbated an already tight housing market, with rental vacancies hovering at record lows and rising building prices limiting new supply.

    O’Neil stated that the government’s actions since September have resulted in a drop in migration levels, with recent foreign student visa grants down by 35% from the previous year.

  • 37-year-old rescued from suicide over failed N2m visa deal

    37-year-old rescued from suicide over failed N2m visa deal

    The Kano State Fire Service said, on Thursday, that it rescued 37-year-old Saifillahi Rabiu, who allegedly attempted to commit suicide over a failed deal.

    The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the organisation, Alhaji Saminu Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Kano and made available to newsmen.

    Abdullahi stated that the incident happened on Thursday morning at State Road, Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano.

    “We received a distress call at about 10:07 a.m. from the Ministry of Works and Housing, Kano state, about a suicide attempt by hanging on a tree.

    “On receiving the information, we quickly sent our fire fighting vehicle to the scene at 10:10 a.m,” he stated.

    According to the statement, Rabiu, a resident of Semegu Quarters, attempted to hang himself over his inability to refund N2 million to those he tried to assist to obtain a travel Visa.

    “During interrogation, we gathered that Rabiu connected some people to those that process travel visas to foreign countries, which was successful.

    “Those he tried to help, however, rejected the visa, saying it was not the type they paid for and demanded for the refund of their money already paid to the processors.

    “We reliably gathered that he was able to raise half-a-million naira only.

    “But pressure and threats from the people he wanted to assist made him try to take his own life,” the PRO added.

    He further stated that Rabiu was rescued alive and handed over to Zaharaddini of Farm Centre Police Division.

  • Japa: 32,462 Nigerians apply for passports within 14days

    Japa: 32,462 Nigerians apply for passports within 14days

    It’s alarming as 32,462 Nigerians have so far applied for international passports and uploaded their documents from the Nigeria Immigration Service site between January 8 and 21,2024.

    Of these applications, 15,113 have reportedly been approved for biometric capture and production, which is fifty per cent of the total application.

    The summary of passport applications for the year 2024 was provided by the Comptroller-General of Immigration Service, Caroline Adepoju, who was on a visit to Ikoyi and Alausa passport offices, yesterday, to see how things were working, regarding the introduction of the automated passport application process.

    Briefing journalists at the end of the assessment, the Immigration boss said of the 32,462 applications, 11,505 were awaiting approval, while 3,406 who made payment were yet to book appointments.

    According to her, 1,438 applications were queried for various reasons.

    ,,,,,Adepoju said: “50 per cent of the total applications have been successfully approved for biometric capture, production and issuance, 35 per cent awaits approval, 11 per cent made payments but yet to book appointments and only four per cent of total applications were queried. When queries are successfully answered, the applications return to the queue and are subsequently approved for biometric acquisition, production and issuance “
    ,,,,,,Adepoju, who noted that the introduction of the automation of passport applications was not new, clarified that further: “The major difference now is that supporting documents are now uploaded online. It is a research-based decision and we have been recording successes.

    “As of this morning (yesterday), we have only recorded four per cent rejection of uploaded documents…..which may be due to errors on the side of the applicant. But our help desk is operational 24/7.