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The UAE denies rumors of a $10,000 bank balance and N640,000 fee for Nigerian visa applications, following the lift on a three-year travel ban. Nigerian officials seek clarification amid widespread confusion and social media outrage.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially denied implementing new visa application requirements for Nigerians, which were rumored to include a $10,000 minimum bank balance and a non-refundable N640,000 document verification fee. This denial follows widespread confusion and concern among Nigerian citizens after the announcement of the lift of a three-year travel ban between Nigeria and the UAE.

Earlier this week, Nigerian travelers were excited to hear about the lifting of the travel ban, but their enthusiasm was quickly dampened by claims that the UAE had imposed stringent new conditions for visa applications. According to these claims, Nigerians would need to secure a Document Verification Number (DVN) at a substantial cost of N640,000, not including the visa fee, and maintain a six-month bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000.

However, TheCable contacted the UAE’s Department of Economy and Tourism to verify these claims. Officials from the department clarified that the DV hub website, which purportedly listed these requirements, is not affiliated with the UAE government.

They further explained that the standard requirements for a UAE tourist visa include a personal photo, a valid passport with at least six months remaining, a travel ticket, and valid medical insurance within the UAE. The cost of a tourist visa typically ranges from 200 to 300 dirhams (approximately N60,000 to N90,000), depending on the duration of stay. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFAD) in Dubai also confirmed that they were unaware of any such bank balance requirements. They advised applicants to apply for visas through official channels to avoid misinformation.

Nigerian government officials, including Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have promised to seek further clarification on the DVN from their office in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the spread of these false requirements has sparked outrage and skepticism among Nigerians on social media. Many Nigerians took to social media to express their frustration and disappointment.

Comments ranged from accusations of government propaganda to criticisms of the visa process and the perceived economic disparities between Nigeria and Dubai. The false claims about the visa requirements have led to widespread anger and calls for better communication and transparency from the Nigerian government