The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has said that it would begin the issuance of tourist/visit visas to Nigerians from Thursday, October 8,2020. 

The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika announced this via a tweet on Wednesday, October 7.

"UAE confirmed that they will begin issuance of visas from 8th of October, 2020. 

"Travellers to have a return ticket, hotel booking, negative PCR result and a health insurance (similar to Schengen requirement). 

“Health insurance can be paid through travel agents/airline," he tweeted.

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Sirika had on September announced that the UAE had written to State that they agree to issue visas to Nigerians. 

Subsequently, the Federal Government lifted the ban it had earlier placed on Emirates Airlines. 

"UAE has written to state that they agree to issue visas to Nigerians, consequently decision has been reached to allow Emirates to fly into Nigeria,"the Minister had tweeted. 

He had further added that the "commencement of the Visa issuance is condition precedent", asking Nigerians to bear "with this unusual situation." 

The visa concern issuance between Nigeria and the UAE had made the Federal Government ban Emirates Airlines from operating into Nigeria. 

Sirika had announced on September 18, 2020, that Emirates Airlines were banned from operating in Nigeria from Monday, September 21, 2020.

The minister had tweeted, “The PTF (Presidential Task Force) sub-committee met today with EU Ambassadors to discuss Lufthansa, Air France/KLM ban."

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Nigerians, while reacting to the Visa issuance commencement, commended the aviation Minister for the applaudable development. 

They however lamented that the development does not affect those who leave or work in the Arab nation, but tourists only. 

A Twitter user who replied to the Minister's tweet, said: "Ensure that restart of Visa processing covers all qualified Nigerians residence in the UAE. Many need work permit to secure new job and visa, while some need residence visas. 

" Let the process be all inclusive sir. Thanks". 

Another user while lamenting on the yet - to-be approved work permit said:"There are lot of Nigerians who are in UAE but being discriminated, they disapproves work permit visa and no one can change their status, thereby leaving a lot of Nigerians stranded since after the pandemic. 

"It is rather unfair if just the tourist visa was looked into."

Still on the plea for the approval of work permit, another user said: "Honourable sir, we need the UAE government to open all other visas to Nigerians same as they have been doing to other countries.

"Not just visit/tourist visa. Most importantly, employment visa which will later be converted to residence, work permit and den inside country visa."