Nigerian air travellers are expressing anger and frustration over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government’s decision to increase visa fees by over 300 per cent, despite the recent lifting of the visa ban on Nigeria.
The new visa fee, which now stands at N640,000, has been described as “outrageous” and “exploitative” by travellers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Rose Aikigbe, a traveller, said, “This is a clear indication that the UAE government doesn’t want Nigeria in their domain. How much is the United Kingdom taking? Why is the amount so out of reach?”
Adejare Adebukola, a father of three, who had hoped to send his children to study in Dubai, appealed to the government to intervene, saying, “If the government refuses to do something about this hike and the UAE government also remains adamant, I am sorry, my children whose dreams are to study in Dubai will have to have a change of thought.”
On social media, Nigerians have also expressed their outrage, with some calling for the government to renegotiate the visa fees. @Enokeran2016 said, “You think FG constant solicitation was for mere Nigerians? It appears to primarily benefit wealthy individuals and politicians seeking a haven for their ill-gotten wealth.”
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had announced the lifting of the visa ban on Monday, saying that Nigerian passport holders can now travel to the UAE without any hindrance. However, the new visa fee has cast a shadow over the development, with many Nigerians feeling exploited and unwelcome in the UAE.
