United Arab Emirates (UAE) says Nigeria has not been exempted from the customary visa application process.
It also said the DV hub website, which was unveiled by Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, is not affiliated with the UAE government, TheCable reports.
Recall that it was announced on Monday, July 15, that the three-year travel ban from the UAE had been lifted.
Mohammed Idris said the resolution had conditions that were “mutually beneficial”.
Part of the conditions include obtaining a document verification number (DVN).
A look at the DV hub website unveiled by Idris showed that the DVN costs a non-refundable N640,000 excluding VAT for each application. This does not include the visa fee.
In addition, Nigerians are also required to provide proof of a six-month bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000.
Nigerians complained about the conditions, asking why it was strictly reserved for Nigerians alone.
However, the United Arab Emirates has now denied knowledge of these conditions.
Investigative journalist, David Hundeyin, first reported that his investigation revealed that the DV Hub is “just another heist” and is not affiliated to the UAE government.
His investigation also showed that the DV Hub website is linked to a Canadian man called Jean Geoffrion who “specialises in helping African governments to levy their citizens for high traffic services”.
The Cable also contacted the UAE’s Department of Economy and Tourism to confirm if obtaining a DVN was part of the resolutions reached as claimed by the Minister of Information.
However, the department told the publication that the DV hub website is not affiliated with the UAE government.
Asked if Nigerians are required to make payments for documents’ verification, the publication was referred to Dubai’s general directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs (GDRFAD).
“You will need a personal photo and a copy of your passport which must not have less than six months validity,” the GDRFAD said while explaining the process for a visa application.
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,” the GDRFAD added.
Asked about the need to have a bank balance of $10,000, the directorate said: “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, told TheCable that clarification on the DVN would be sought and provided from the ministry’s office in the Middle East.
