Ethiopia, UAE, Turkey Strip Nigerians of Visa-on-Arrival, e-Visa Privileges

In a significant policy shift, Ethiopia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have revoked the visa-on-arrival and e-visa privileges previously granted to Nigerian passport holders. This development presents a considerable obstacle for Nigerians, who once experienced relatively seamless travel to these countries.

Turkey has discontinued the issuance of e-visas to Nigerians, disrupting what was previously a straightforward process for travelers. Similarly, the UAE imposed a ban in 2022, barring Nigerians and citizens of select African nations from entering Dubai. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts by the Nigerian government to reverse this decision, the ban remains effective. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had earlier assured that the UAE would lift the ban by October, yet its implementation is still uncertain.

Read Also : FG Spent N1 Billion On Tinubu’s Trip To Ethiopia, N650 Million On Honorarium

Ethiopia ceased visa-on-arrival services for Nigerians two years ago and has not reinstated them since. Airlines have advised passengers since 2022 to obtain visas from the Ethiopian embassy in Abuja prior to traveling.

Bolanle Olukanni, daughter of former Nigerian Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni, recently took to social media to express her frustration over the visa denial her parents faced, highlighting the broader challenges encountered by Nigerians. Despite her father’s 30-year service in the Foreign Service, including a tenure in Austria, his visa application alongside his wife’s was rejected due to concerns about their return.

This visa issue extends beyond these three countries. Many Nigerians seeking entry to South Africa have reported delays and denials. According to data from the US Department of State, the number of study visas issued to Nigerians in 2023 dropped for the first time in three years, with South Africa issuing 7,466 nonimmigrant (F-1) visas, down from 7,547 in 2022.

Oritseweyinmi Oritsejafor of Henley & Partners underscored the broader implications of these restrictions. Nigerian passport holders can access only 45 destinations visa-free, limiting their global mobility to just 1.5 percent of the world’s economic landscape. This restriction significantly impacts the 8,200 millionaires residing in Nigeria, who must navigate complex foreign policy barriers to access global economic opportunities.

The Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Henley & Partners’ research, placed Nigeria among the 20 worst passports to hold in 2023, with visa-free access to only 46 countries. In contrast, countries like Singapore, which now holds the world’s most powerful passport, offer much broader access.

Bankole Bernard, Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings, attributes the high visa rejection rates to inadequate documentation by applicants, emphasizing the importance of proper documentation. Former National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) president Susan Akporaiye added that while Nigerian passports are weak, many Nigerians still thrive abroad. She called for more robust engagement by the foreign affairs ministry to reduce visa denials, stressing the need for applicants to follow proper procedures.

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate at Black Market (Aboki FX) June 28, 2024: USD to NGN CBN Rate

The recent visa restrictions by Ethiopia, Turkey, and the UAE, along with ongoing challenges in other countries, highlight the need for the Nigerian government to improved diplomatic efforts and better documentation practices to enhance the mobility of Nigerian citizens.