The United Arab Emirates has debunked the claims of approving $10,000 bank balance, and N640k fee requirements for Nigerians applying for visas into the country, according to The Cable.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, declared on Monday, that the UAE authorities agreed to lift the travel ban imposed on Nigerians.
Idris further said that applicants had to meet several requirements, one of which was obtaining a document verification number on documentverificationhub.ae
According to the website, the verification costs a non-refundable N640,000 excluding VAT for each application. This does not include the visa fee.
In addition, applicants must provide a six-month bank statement showing a minimum balance of $10,000.
This development was condemned by air travellers who labelled the requirements as a “constructive ban,”
However, inquiries by The Cable to the UAE’s Department of Economy and Tourism revealed that the DV hub website is not affiliated with the UAE government.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai should be contacted for questions regarding document verification, according to the department.
Meanwhile, the GDRFAD disclosed that a passport valid for at least six months and a personal photo are needed for the visa application process. A tourist visa costs approximately 200-300 dirhams (N60,000 – 90,000), depending on the length of stay.
In addition, applicants must have a valid UAE health insurance policy and a plane ticket.
When asked about the $10,000 bank balance requirement, GDRFAD responded, “We are not aware of such requirements. Make your visa applications through the GDRFAD.”