By Aduragbemi Omiyale
There are strong indications that the visa and Document Verification Number (DVN) fees for Nigerians visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may be slashed.
According to reports, the Nigerian government is working tirelessly in the background to liaise with the UAE government to bring down the fees to reasonable rates to allow Nigerians to travel to the Arab nation for business and others.
Recall that on October 21, 2022, the UAE government stopped visa issuance to Nigeria and 19 other African countries. This was later lifted on July 15, 2024, after several talks between the two nations, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris.
A few days ago, it was reported that Nigerians were asked to pay N640,000 through a private website for DVN and must have at least N15 million as an account balance to be qualified for visa issuance.
The latest information has it that the UAE government may trim these DVN very soon to make it more affordable for Nigerians to visit the country for tourism, business, and family visits.
Although the exact timeline for the fee reduction has not been announced, detailed guidelines and updated fee structures are expected in the coming weeks.
It is believed that a reduction in DVN and visa fees would alleviate the financial burden on Nigerian travellers, making it easier for them to visit the UAE.
This move is expected to foster stronger ties between the two nations, encouraging more tourism, business engagements, and cultural exchanges.
Lowering the fees would likely increase the number of Nigerian visitors to the UAE, boosting tourism and economic activities. It would also provide an opportunity for more Nigerians to explore business and investment opportunities in the UAE.
