The United Arab Emirates (UAE) says Nigeria has not been exempted from the customary visa application process.
On Monday, Nigerians were thrilled to read that the
three-year travel ban from the UAE had been lifted.
But their joy evaporated when Mohammed Idris, minister of
information and national orientation, said the resolution had conditions that
were “mutually beneficial”.
Part of the conditions include 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.
UAE DENIES KNOWLEDGE
OF ‘CONDITIONS’
When TheCable contacted the UAE’s department of economy and tourism 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, Dubai’s general directorate
of residency and foreigners’ affairs (GDRFAD) denied.
“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 GDRFAD.”
Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for Nigeria’s ministry of foreign
affairs, disclosed that clarification on the DVN would be sought and
provided from the ministry’s office in the Middle East.
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