Adesola Sulaimon
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has revealed reasons some Nigerians were denied entry into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) despite having valid visas.

Recall that a viral video had surfaced online which showed some stranded Nigerians, with valid visas, being denied entry into the UAE by the immigration officers of the country.

Reacting to the video, Abike Dabiri, in a statement on Friday, revealed that the incident happened due to new stringent visa process of the country.

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She said “The UAE government has now introduced a new visa regime and has stopped issuing tourist visas to persons under the age of 40 years, except for those applying for family visas.

“However, to evade the new visa rules, some applicants request “family visas”. However, on arrival some travel alone and arrive without family. So they are turned back from the airport.

“Also the UAE authorities demand;
1. Return ticket,
2. Valid 6 month Bank Account Statement and
3. A valid Residence Address.

“There have been quite a number of Nigerian passengers turned back from the UAE airport in the last few weeks.”