FG Repatriates 190 Nigerians From UAE

The Federal Government has repatriated a total of 190 Nigerians from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This follows an earlier repatriation in October 2022, when 542 Nigerians were brought back from the UAE.

According to a statement by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), signed by its Director General, North Central Zone, Bashir Garga, the returnees arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 5:57 am on Tuesday. They were received by a combined team of government officials led by NEMA.

The returnees have been profiled and documented by the relevant agencies and sensitized to “behave with decorum and responsibility” upon their return to Nigeria. NEMA emphasized the importance of all Nigerians acting as exemplary ambassadors of their country, upholding the fundamental values of patriotism, rule of law, decency, and integrity.

Nigerians Can Obtain UAE Visas Again

In related news, the Federal Government has reached an agreement with the UAE to allow Nigerian passport holders to obtain visas for travel to the UAE starting July 15, 2024. The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday during a briefing with State House correspondents following the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

“Following successful talks and extensive, mutually beneficial negotiations between the Government of the United Arab Emirates and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, an agreement was reached allowing for the resumption of travel to the UAE for Nigerian passport holders,” Idris said.

“This agreement includes updated controls and conditions to facilitate obtaining a UAE visa. The resumption of visas will be effective from July 15, 2024.”

Nigerians wishing to learn more about the updated visa conditions can visit the UAE’s official website.

This announcement comes more than two years after the UAE suspended visa issuance to Nigerians following a protracted diplomatic row. It also comes about two months after UAE national carrier Emirates Airlines announced the resumption of flights to Nigeria, with daily Lagos-Dubai flights set to resume from October 1, 2024.

Conclusion

The repatriation of 190 Nigerians from the UAE and the resumption of visa issuance mark significant developments in Nigeria-UAE relations. The Federal Government continues to emphasize the importance of decorum and responsibility among its citizens abroad, reinforcing the values of patriotism, rule of law, decency, and integrity.