The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has denied knowledge of conditions struck with the Federal Government regarding visa applications for Nigerians.
Recall that many Nigerians were thrilled on Monday after the minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the three-year travel ban from the UAE had been lifted.
However, the resolution had conditions that were mutually beneficial, which included obtaining a document verification number (DVN).
According to the DV hub, the process is a specialised service designed to authenticate and verify documentation essential for visa applications to the UAE.
The DVN costs a non-refundable N640,000, excluding VAT, for each application, which does not include the visa fee.
In addition to obtaining a UAE visa, Nigerians must provide proof of a six-month bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000.
In an interview with Cable News, the UAE’s Department of Economy and Tourism said the DV hub website is not affiliated with the UAE government.
Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFAD), while explaining the process for a visa application, said, “You will need a personal photo and a copy of your passport, which must not have less than six months validity.
“A tourist visa costs about 200-300 dirhams (N60,000 – 90,000) depending on the stay.
“You will also need a travel ticket and valid medical insurance within the UAE.”
Speaking on the bank balance of $10,000, the directorate said: “We are not aware of such requirements. Make your visa applications through the GDRFAD.”