The United Arab Emirates (UAE) states that Nigeria has not been exempted from the usual visa application process.
It also stated that the DV hub website, which was revealed by Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, is not associated with the UAE government, as reported by TheCable.
It was announced on Monday, 15th July, that the three-year travel ban from the UAE had been lifted.
Mohammed Idris mentioned that the resolution had conditions that were “mutually beneficial”.
Part of these conditions include acquiring a Document Verification Number (DVN).
Upon reviewing the DV hub website unveiled by Idris, it was found that the DVN costs a non-refundable £640,000 excluding VAT for each application, not including the visa fee.
Moreover, Nigerians are also required to present evidence of a six-month bank statement with a minimum balance of £10,000.
Nigerians raised concerns about these conditions, questioning why they were exclusively for Nigerians.
However, the United Arab Emirates has now refuted any knowledge of these conditions.
Investigative journalist, David Hundeyin, initially reported that his investigation indicated that the DV Hub is “just another scam” and is not connected to the UAE government.
His investigation also showed that the DV Hub website is linked to a Canadian man named Jean Geoffrion who “specialises in helping African governments to levy their citizens for high traffic services”.
TheCable 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 informed the publication that the DV Hub website is not affiliated with the UAE government.
When asked if Nigerians are required to make payments for documents’ verification, the publication was directed 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.
When 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, the spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated to TheCable that clarification on the DVN would be requested and given from the ministry’s office in the Middle East.
Discover more from Afric Showbiz
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
