7 Weeks After Tinubu’s Visit, Nigeria, UAE Row Lingers

Nigerians residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are expressing growing concern over the unresolved diplomatic standoff between Nigeria and the Middle Eastern nation. They are urgently calling upon the Federal Government of Nigeria to intervene and facilitate the lifting of the work permit and visa issuance ban imposed by the UAE, which has left many of their compatriots in a state of hardship.

This issue has left those currently employed in the UAE fearing the loss of their jobs, while many legitimate residents have been unable to secure employment due to the ongoing ban on work permits. Notably, several Nigerians who secured positions with top-rated companies in the UAE find themselves stranded, unable to renew their residency permits and visas.

This lingering diplomatic tension stems from the UAE’s suspension of flights to Nigeria, as well as the imposition of the work permit and visa ban. Approximately seven weeks ago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu embarked on a visit to the UAE with the hope of resolving this dispute. Tinubu’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, had initially announced that the UAE had agreed to lift the visa ban, and it was anticipated that UAE carriers, Emirates and Etihad, would soon resume flights.

However, government officials, including the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, later clarified that discussions were still ongoing, leaving the matter unresolved even after approximately two months. Nigerians in the UAE have expressed their frustration with what they perceive as a lack of action on the part of the Federal Government while they endure severe difficulties.

A significant factor contributing to the ongoing dispute is the unresolved issue of Emirates Airlines’ trapped funds in Nigeria, which amounts to over $85 million out of the government’s total debt to airlines, which exceeds $700 million. Minister Festus Keyamo has repeatedly promised to address this matter and clear the backlog of funds owed to foreign airlines.

Nigerians in the UAE have resorted to social media to voice their grievances and concerns about the seemingly stagnant state of affairs. They are particularly calling on the Federal Government, the President, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Director-General of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission to alleviate their suffering.

Enifome Caroline Elijah, a Nigerian living in the UAE, emphasized that the issue primarily revolves around the trapped funds and urged the government to prioritize resolving this matter. She disputed the idea that Nigerians faced visa and work permit bans due to the criminal activities of some individuals and highlighted the efficiency of UAE security in dealing with criminal behavior.

Prince Ijitola revealed that approximately 90 percent of Nigerians in the UAE have lost their jobs due to the ban on work permits, which is causing significant financial strain for many. Citizens in the UAE who had secured jobs with global companies are unable to obtain the necessary visas, which is exacerbating the situation.

Nigerians in the UAE are imploring the Nigerian government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address this issue through positive bilateral agreements with the UAE, with a particular focus on releasing Emirates Airlines’ trapped funds.

In response to the growing concerns, the Federal Government has assured Nigerians that they are actively working to mend relations with the UAE and resolve the visa and work permit ban. Abdulrahman Balogun, the spokesperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), explained that these issues are being addressed through diplomatic channels. He emphasized that it is not within NIDCOM’s mandate to secure work permits and visas for citizens and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively engaged in discussions with UAE officials to address the concerns raised by Nigerians in the UAE.