Nigerian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Salem Saeed Al Shamsi, on Wednesday clarified that the UAE’s decision to suspend visa on arrival policy is not aimed at Nigerians.
He explained that the UAE has abolished visa on arrival not only for Nigerians but also for all other foreigners.
Al Shamsi made the remarks on Wednesday when he received a courtesy call from the Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Details of the meeting were revealed in a statement by NiDCOM spokesperson, Gabriel Odu.
The statement said Al Shamsi confirmed that the UAE has lifted the visa ban on Nigerians, as announced by the federal government on Monday.
“He confirmed that visa on arrival policies have been abolished for all countries, but assured that the new procedures are designed to boost tourism and ensure the safe return of travellers.”
“The Ambassador expressed his commitment to providing the best possible services to the Nigerian people with the support of a determined Nigerian government. He also acknowledged the UAE’s role in ensuring the safe repatriation of 96 Nigerians at no cost to them,” the statement said.
Marking his first anniversary as the UAE ambassador to Nigeria, Al Shamsi shared his positive impressions of Nigeria, describing it as a beautiful country with warm-hearted people who share similar cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds to the UAE.
He expressed willingness to continue cooperation with NiDCOM to strengthen ties between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Nigeria Emergency Displaced Persons Committee, Dabiri Erewa, has revealed that another 250 Nigerians are expected to be repatriated from the UAE soon.
“Dabiri-Erewa said NiDCOM aims to engage and sensitise Nigerians in the UAE to be good ambassadors for their host and origin countries, excel in whatever they undertake and never forget their homeland. He added that the initiative is also aimed at promoting understanding and compliance with local regulations.”
“She also revealed that 190 Nigerians have been repatriated to Nigeria with another 250 due to return soon. She noted that the actions of individuals in their host country can have a major impact on the overall image of their home country. She also pointed out the role of Western media imperialism in perpetuating negative stereotypes against Nigerians,” the statement added.
The Federal Government on Tuesday repatriated a total of 190 Nigerians from the UAE.
The returnees were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 5:57pm by a joint team of government officials led by the National Emergency Management Agency.
In October 2023, the government repatriated a total of 542 Nigerians from the UAE.
Dabiri-Erewa, speaking during a visit to UAE Ambassador to Nigeria Salem Saeed Al Shamsi in Abuja, said the Nigerian diplomatic corps is intended to attract and sensitise Nigerians in the UAE as good ambassadors for the UAE and Nigeria.