The Federal Government has said that it will now be difficult for Nigerians below the age of 30, especially males, to get the visa of the United Arab Emirates.
The Chairperson, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, made this known in an interview with ARISE TV.
Dabiri-Erewa, also stated reason for the development.
Before now, the UAE visa was one of the easiest for Nigerians to obtain.
It took less than 72 hours for virtually every Nigerian to obtain the UAE visa.
Speaking on the now stringent conditions imposed by the authorities of the UAE for Nigerians to obtain visa, Dabiri-Erewa said the recent incidences of various cult clashes and crimes committed by Nigerians in Dubai have caused stringent visa accessibility requirements for males below 30-years-old.
She also said that the unfortunate incident of a Nigerian, Alika Ogorchukwu, who was beaten to death in Italy, is a priority of the Nigerian Embassy in Italy, stating that the accused must be tried and persecuted accordingly.
On UAE visa for Nigerians, she said: “I think a few Nigerians have taken bad behaviour too far and we have to admit and accept that.
“It is not about profiling or generalisation, it has gone too far.
“So, what the Dubai authorities have done is they have made their visa processes more stringent.
“So, if you are below 30, no visa for you if you are male below 30. It is very difficult.”
“They have made it so stringent that you are not likely to fulfill it. It doesn’t matter who you are.”
Secondly, if you’re looking to Dubai now, you have to provide a six months bank account, you have to have your return ticket and you must show proof of accommodation and if you lie, they are going to know and turn you back.
“So, let’s learn to obey laws of other countries and just do the right things because there are too many good Nigerians in Dubai.”
Also giving an update on Ogochukwu’s case, Dabiri-Erewa noted that the Italian Government has been very cooperative and that the Nigerian Consulate would not let it go under the carpet.
She added: “In the case of Alika, the autopsy is out and he died of suffocation.
“A meeting is actually ongoing, just like yesterday, with the Nigerian Ambassador and officials with the Italian authorities on the next steps forward.
“The person is with the police and now the next step is to charge to court and as of yesterday, 15,000 euros were actually donated to Alex’s wife.”
“It was a contribution by the Italians, the Nigerian community and everybody rallied around to support this particular cause that was really a case of evil wickedness.
“And the Nigeria Ambassador to Italy is of course demanding that this case must be tried to the logical conclusion.
“No excuses whatsoever. And the Italian authorities are very cooperative.”
“In fact, they’ve been very, very cooperative because they all admitted that this really is one death that didn’t need to happen.
“So, the Nigerian Ambassador is on top of the situation. The Nigerian embassy will definitely ensure that this is not a case that will be swept under the carpet.”
Recall that a group of men with machetes in a viral video were yelling in an apartment parking lot, chasing one other and damaging public properties, DAILY GIST reports.
In a statement dated July 21, the police said the suspects are of African origin and warned residents against engaging in violence.
“The Dubai Police has arrested a group of people, who were engaged in a heated argument in their residence at late hours) The group of African people appeared in a viral video on social media platforms while fighting in a public place and damaging properties,” the statement read.
The police also said a criminal case has been registered against the suspects and they will be referred to the public prosecution for further action.
A video from the incident shows young men with machetes wreaking havoc in the neighbourhood at night. They broke the side windows of a car, destroyed other properties, chased after innocent residents, and generally disturbed the peace in the quiet neighbourhood.
The Dubai government is said to have taken it a step further by slowing down process for Nigerians applying for Dubai visa over the Incident.
