World News

UAE Denies Imposing $10k Bank Balance and N640k Fee for Visa Applications

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 17th, 2024.

UAE Denies Imposing $10k Bank Balance and N640k Fee for Visa Applications

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has clarified that Nigeria remains subject to the standard visa application procedures.

Recently, there was excitement among Nigerians when reports surfaced that the three-year travel ban to the UAE had been lifted. However, this enthusiasm was dampened when Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s minister of information and national orientation, announced that the resolution included “mutually beneficial” conditions.

One such condition involves obtaining a document verification number (DVN). According to DV Hub, this service is intended to authenticate and verify essential documents for UAE visa applications. The DVN service costs a non-refundable N640,000, excluding VAT, per application, in addition to the visa fee.

Nigerian applicants are also required to provide proof of a six-month bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000. This stipulation led some Nigerians to view the conditions as a continuation of the travel restrictions, while others questioned the legitimacy of the DVN requirement.

#### UAE Disavows Knowledge of These Conditions

The UAE’s department of economy and tourism, when contacted by TheCable, stated that DV Hub is not affiliated with the UAE government. Regarding the payments for document verification, TheCable was directed to Dubai’s general directorate of residency and foreigners’ affairs (GDRFAD).

The GDRFAD outlined the standard visa application requirements: a personal photo, a passport with at least six months of validity, a travel ticket, and valid medical insurance within the UAE. The cost of a tourist visa ranges from 200 to 300 dirhams (approximately N60,000 to N90,000), depending on the duration of stay.

When asked about the $10,000 bank balance requirement, the GDRFAD responded, “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, assured TheCable that the ministry would seek clarification on the DVN from its office in the Middle East.