UAE says it did not restrict travels from Nigeria

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) embassy in Abuja on Thursday August 6, debunked claims of restricting travels from Nigeria.

In a statement released following unverified claims of suspending different categories of visa to Nigerians after Hushpuppi was arrested for alleged fraud, the embassy noted that the UAE took a number of precautionary measures to combat the spread of Coronavirus including the temporary suspension on issuing UAE visas for all nationalities as of March 17, 2020.

It further stated that after entering the recovery phase of the pandemic, the UAE eased some measures on July 7, permitting visitors from various countries to adhere to the necessary precautionary measures, including by showing negative PCR test results within 92 hours of travelling to the UAE. This includes those visiting from Nigeria.

The statement read;

“In response to recent press and social media reports regarding purported travel restrictions between the UAE and Nigeria, and in an affirmation of the growing bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, the UAE Embassy in Abuja denies the accuracy of the information contained in these reports.
“At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE took a number of precautionary measures to combat the virus’ spread, including the temporary suspension on issuing UAE visas for all nationalities as of March 17, 2020.
“After entering the recovery phase of the pandemic, the UAE eased some measures on July 7, permitting visitors from various countries to adhere to the necessary precautionary measures, including by showing negative PCR test results within 92 hours of travelling to the UAE. This includes those visiting from Nigeria.
“The UAE Embassy in Abuja continues to work closely with the Nigerian Government to obtain the necessary approvals to facilitate travel between the two countries”.