EXCLUSIVE: UAE denies approving $10k bank balance, N640k fee as visa application requirements

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’

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, TheCable was referred to Dubai’s general directorate of residency and foreigners’ affairs (GDRFAD). 

“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, told TheCable that clarification on the DVN would be sought and provided from the ministry’s office in the Middle East.